The etymology of the name Londinium is unknown. Following Geoffrey of Monmouth's pseudohistorical
The … See more

The site guarded the Romans' bridgehead on the north bank of the Thames and a major road nexus shortly after the invasion. It was centred on Cornhill and the River Walbrook, but extended west to Ludgate Hill and east to … See more

Londinium grew up as a vicus and soon became an important port for trade between Roman Britain and the Roman provinces on the continent. Tacitus wrote that at the time of the uprising of Boudica, "Londinium… See more

Unlike many cities of Roman Britain, Londinium was not placed on the site of a native settlement or oppidum. Prior to the arrival of the Roman legions, the area was almost certainly lightly rolling open countrysid… See more

The population of Londinium is estimated to have peaked around 100 AD when the population is estimated between about 30,000 and 60,000. After about 150 the population may have fallen by as much as two thirds p… See more

Many ruins remain buried beneath London, although understanding them can be difficult. Owing to London's geology, which consists of a Taplow Terrace deep bed of brickearth, sand, and gravel over clay, Roman gra… See more