It’s a well-known fact that London is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history that dates back to pre-Roman times. However, many people still wonder whether London was built by the Romans.
The Roman Influence on London
There’s no denying that the Romans had a significant influence on London. In AD 43, Emperor Claudius led a Roman invasion of Britain, and one of the first things they did was establish a military camp on the banks of the River Thames. This camp would eventually become the city of London.
The Romans built several important structures in London, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. They also constructed defensive walls around the city to protect it from invaders. Evidence of these walls can still be seen today in parts of central London.
The Debate
Despite this evidence, there is still some debate over whether London was actually built by the Romans. Some historians argue that while the Romans certainly had an influence on the city, it was already an established settlement before they arrived.
One theory suggests that London may have been founded by a Celtic tribe known as the Trinovantes. According to this theory, the Trinovantes established a settlement on the site before the Roman invasion and simply adapted to Roman culture and influence over time.
Conclusion
So, was London built by the Romans? While there is evidence to suggest that they played a significant role in its development, it’s unlikely that they were solely responsible for its creation.
Regardless of who founded it though, there’s no denying that London has played an important role in world history and continues to be one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Europe today.
- Rome may have had an impact on how modern-day London looks today
- However, it is unlikely Rome alone founded such an established city
- Regardless, London remains one of the most important cities in the world
Sources:
- https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/london
- https://www.britannica.com/place/London/History#ref4224
- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/londinium-roman-london/history-and-stories/history/