The Ancients

Fall of Roman London

38 snips
Jul 27, 2025
Dominic Perring, Emeritus Professor from University College London and an expert on Roman London, delves into the intriguing transformation of this once-thriving city into a ghost town by the fifth century. He discusses archaeological findings that unveil the city's decline, including the impact of political figures like Magnus Maximus and the shifts in trade and fortifications. Perring also sheds light on the rise of Christianity, evolving burial customs, and how these changes reflect the broader socio-economic picture of Roman London's tumultuous last chapters.
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INSIGHT

Thriving Roman Metropolis

  • Roman London thrived as an administrative and economic center with an estimated 30,000 people at its peak.
  • Its key features included a walled city, extensive waterfront, and a cosmopolitan population from across the empire.
INSIGHT

Third Century Crisis Impact

  • Mid-third century marked a crisis with shrinking port use and shifting waterfront from commercial to defensive purposes.
  • These changes likely responded to increased piracy threats and the fracturing Roman control over distant provinces like Britain.
INSIGHT

British Usurpers and Palaces

  • Late third century breakaway leaders in Britain sought status by emulating Roman imperial palaces.
  • London likely saw new monumental building projects, reflecting ambition to rival continental imperial centers.
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