Londinium: A Biography: Roman London from its Origins to the Fifth Century

Description

This major new work on Roman London brings together the many new discoveries of the last generation and provides a broad overview of the city from its foundation to the fifth century AD. Richard Hingley explores the archaeological and historical evidence for London under the Romans, assessing the city in the context of its province and the wider empire. He explores the multiple functions of Londinium over time, considering economy, industry, trade, status and urban infrastructure, but also looking at how power, status, gender and identity are reflected through the materiality of the terrain and waterscape of the evolving city. A particular focus of the book is the ritual and religious context in which these activities occurred. Hingley looks at how places within the developing urban landscape were inherited and considers how the history and meanings of Londinium built upon earlier associations from its recent and ancient past. As well as providing a much-needed synthesis of recent scholarship and material evidence, Hingley offers new perspectives that will inspire future debate and research for years to come. This volume is not only an accessible introduction for undergraduate students and anyone interested in the ancient city of London, but also an essential account for more advanced students and scholars. Cover page Halftitle page Series page Title page Copyright page Dedication CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PREFACE Introduction Setting the scene Research perspectives Qualifications Justifi cation 1 Rites of Passage on the Thamesin the Iron Age Introduction Medieval foundation myths Pre-Roman London A meeting place on the boundary Summary 2 A Place of Trade: Londinium from AD 45 to AD 60 Introduction Establishing Londinium The people and status of early Londinium Marking the place Occupying the landscape Marking the boundaries Summary 3 Boudica and Londinium in AD 60 Introduction Burnt deposits Looting, mayhem and the restoration of the natural order Summary 4 Re- establishing Urban Orderfrom AD 60 to 70 Introduction Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus Textual evidence for the re- establishment of Londinium The fort at Plantation Place Starting to build Waterfront 2 The urban water supply Occupation Summary 5 Londinium from AD 70 to AD 120 Introduction The people and status of Londinium Monumentalizing the landscape Occupation Marking the boundaries Summary 6 ‘Hadrianic Fires’, AD 120s and 130s Introduction A single fire? Summary 7 Londinium’s Peak of Development from AD 125 to AD 200 Introduction The people and status of Londinium Monumental buildings and infrastructure Occupation Marking the boundaries Summary 8 Third-Century Stability Introduction The people Public buildings and urban infrastructure Occupation Marking the boundaries Summary 9 Endings and Beginnings Introduction Public buildings and infrastructure Occupation Marking the boundaries Early Saxon London Summary Conclusion: Beginnings and Endings Beginnings Water and waterscapes Building Identities Boundary practices Endings and new beginnings A final point APPENDIX: SITE CODES AND NAMES FOR EXCAVATIONS DISCUSSED IN THE TEXT NOTES BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX