Roman London: Londinium

London's Roman history stretches back to the 1st century AD, when the Romans founded the city and named it Londinium. By the time of the Great Fire, however, much of Roman London had been forgotten, buried beneath the medieval city's more recent structures. Yet, the fire exposed Roman ruins that had been hidden for centuries. Excavations in the aftermath of the fire unearthed fragments of Roman buildings, including walls, mosaics, and even inscriptions, providing clear evidence of London’s early history.

Key Archaeological Discoveries

  1. Roman Roads and Streets: One of the significant revelations was the discovery of Roman roadways and streets beneath the medieval layers. The Roman city was well-planned, with straight roads that formed a grid pattern, and parts of these ancient roads were uncovered in the rubble left by the fire.

  2. Roman Baths and Buildings: The fire also uncovered parts of Roman bathhouses and other public buildings. These were vital social hubs in ancient Roman London, and the discovery of their remains offered valuable insight into the lives of its inhabitants.

  3. Roman Artifacts: Among the items discovered were coins, pottery, tools, and jewelry, each offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived in Londinium. Many of these artifacts were dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, adding to the growing understanding of the Roman presence in the city.

  4. The Roman Wall: One of the most significant findings was the Roman wall that encircled Londinium, parts of which were exposed after the fire. The wall had been buried under layers of later construction, and its rediscovery helped historians map the boundaries of Roman London more clearly. shutdown123

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