Brief Summary
This documentary explores the history of Roman London, from its establishment as a mercantile trading post around AD 50 to its eventual decline in the 5th century. It examines the city's rapid growth, its destruction during Boudicca's revolt, its subsequent revival, and the daily lives of its inhabitants. The documentary also investigates the city's religious practices, including the worship of Mithras, and the political turmoil that led to the construction of the London Wall.
- Roman London started as a trading post and quickly grew into a major city.
- Boudicca's revolt caused significant destruction, but the city was rebuilt.
- The city was diverse, with people from all over the Roman Empire.
- Religious practices included both traditional Roman gods and mystery cults like Mithraism.
- Political instability and economic decline led to the end of Roman London.
The Origins of Roman London
The story of Roman London begins around AD 50, with the establishment of a Mercantile Trading Post on a gravel terrace above the River Thames. The area, now occupied by the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England, and Cornhill, was once a heavily wooded area. The River Thames was much wider, with high tide extending almost a kilometre inland. This location was chosen because it was the first easily accessible crossing point on the Thames, allowing for the construction of a significant bridge and connecting trade routes from the south coast to the rest of Britain.
London as a Thriving Emporium
Roman London functioned primarily as an Emporium, a Mercantile town where goods from across the continent were imported, broken down into smaller loads, and distributed throughout Britain. Maritime trade was critical to the city's success. The Romans conquered Britain for its resources, including wool, metals like tin, and slaves. In return, the continent supplied wine, olive oil, and glass, which made Roman life possible and more pleasant.
Key Structures and Infrastructure
London Bridge was a crucial structure, located roughly along the line of the modern London Bridge. It facilitated trade by connecting the south coast with a port in London, which then fuelled the conquest of the rest of Britain. The Walbrook, another significant river, bisected Roman London, with public buildings on one side and residential areas on the other. Although now canalised and covered, excavations of the Walbrook have revealed numerous Roman artifacts, providing insights into the city's past.
Bloomberg Excavations and Roman Artefacts
Excavations at the Bloomberg London building have uncovered a wealth of Roman artifacts, including over 400 wax writing tablets. These tablets provide clues about the lives of Londoners, their activities, and the structure of their society. One notable find is a deed of sale dated 8th January AD 57, the earliest piece of writing from Britain, highlighting the legal and financial framework in place shortly after London's establishment.
Boudicca's Revolt and London's Recovery
By AD 60, London had become the largest settlement in Britain, but it faced disaster when Boudicca led a revolt against the Romans. The town was set on fire, and archaeological evidence reveals a layer of burnt debris and signs of violence. Despite the destruction, the Romans rebuilt London, establishing a forum to emphasise their commitment. New investments, including keyside and port facilities, the Roman Amphitheatre, and public bath complexes, were made to revive the city.
Tablets and Military Presence in Rebuilt London
Tablets from the Warbrook excavations provide insights into London's recovery. One tablet contains the earliest mention of London in history, referring to it as "londino". Another tablet, dated AD 62, records an order for provisions from St Albans to London, indicating that both towns were recovering. The presence of military artifacts suggests a significant military presence in London, unusual for most Roman towns, indicating that London was both a Mercantile centre and a military base.
Monumental Buildings and Daily Life
The Roman governor resided in a monumental palace, possibly near modern-day Cannon Street railway station. Other important structures included the Basilica, used as law courts, and the Forum, the main marketplace. Roman townhouses typically had a similar layout, with an atrium, tablinium, trinium (dining room), and peristyle. Buildings were constructed with stone foundations and wattle and orb, painted to resemble stone exteriors.
The Hadrianic Fire and Cripplegate Fort
In the early 2nd century, a series of calamities struck Roman London, including the Hadrianic Fire. Evidence suggests an Insurrection, with buildings deliberately torched. The Romans responded by building the Cripplegate Fort in the AD 120s, an early Roman fort with internal towers. This fort was a vexillation fort, designed for about a thousand men, and was part of a network of fortifications across Roman Britain.
Entertainment and Public Baths
After the troubles during Hadrian's reign, London entered a golden age, with attractions such as the Roman Amphitheater, which could hold 7,000 people. Animal fights, executions, and gladiatorial combats were held there. Public baths were also a key part of Roman life, with bath houses located near the river to utilise gravity for water flow. The bathing experience involved moving through the tepidarium (cool room), caldarium (hot room), and frigidarium (cold plunge pool).
Cosmopolitan London and Burial Practices
In the 2nd century, London's population peaked at around 30,000, with people from Gaul, Spain, Italy, and native Britain. Burials took place outside the Roman walls, with cemeteries divided into northern, southern, eastern, and western sections. Early burials included wealthy cremations in the Mediterranean style, while later burials featured wooden coffins, lead coffins, and stone sarcophaguses. The cosmopolitan nature of London is evident in the diverse burial customs and origins of its inhabitants.
Insights from Skeletons and Funerary Traditions
Skeletal remains provide valuable information about Roman London's population. One skeleton of African descent indicates the city's diverse population. Dental analysis reveals details about diet and health, such as tooth wear from stone particles in grain. Funerary traditions varied, with some bodies embalmed using oils and spices. Inscriptions on tombstones provide information about the deceased, including their origins and military affiliations.
The London Wall and Septimius Severus
The London Wall's story begins in AD 193, during the year of the five Emperors. Septimius Severus, after defeating Clodius Albinus, ordered the construction of the wall to send a message to the people of London. The 3.2 km wall was built using ragstone from the Medway Valley and featured a tile bonding layer for earthquake resistance. The wall served as a reminder of Roman power and the consequences of disloyalty.
The Temple of Mithras
In the 3rd century, a Subterranean Temple dedicated to Mithras was constructed beneath the Bloomberg European headquarters. Discovered in 1954, the temple was built around AD 250. Mithraism was a secretive mystery cult, with members initiated and sworn to secrecy. The temple was sunken, windowless, and lit by candles, creating a spooky atmosphere. It featured seven pairs of columns, referencing the seven grades of initiation in the cult.
Religious Practices and the End of Mithraism
Roman religion operated on two levels: the worship of classical gods and congregational religions from the East, such as Christianity and Mithraism. The Temple of Mithras was later rededicated to Bacchus around AD 320. The cult statues associated with Mithras were reverentially buried, indicating a desire to purify the space before worshipping Bacchus. Mithraism, which originated in modern Turkey and spread across the Roman Empire, was popular among soldiers, civil servants, and merchants.
Everyday Life and High-Status Burials in Later Roman London
Archaeological finds, such as a makeup canister with traces of animal fat, starch, and tincture of tin, provide insights into the luxurious lifestyles of Roman Londoners. High-status burials, like that of a woman buried with Germanic objects, reveal Continental connections and cultural identity. This woman, born outside of Britain, was buried with brooches and a bone comb, reflecting her Germanic heritage.
Carausius and the Decline of Roman London
The late 3rd and early 5th centuries saw a gradual decline in Roman London. In AD 286, Carausius, a Roman usurper, mounted a naval operation to clear the North Sea piracy. He built a series of forts and the river wall to keep the Romans out, reusing stones from grand mosia and public buildings. Carausius was assassinated in AD 293, and Constantius Chlorus celebrated his victory by minting a coin depicting the earliest pictorial representation of London.
The End of Roman London
After Carausius, London experienced a gradual decline. The port disappeared, and big stone buildings were abandoned. People moved away, either into the countryside or back to their families' origins. The Roman administration ceased in AD 410, leaving London on its own without government or military protection. This marked the end of Roman London, but its legacy lives on, shaping the city's identity and history.
