What Is the Old Name of London?

By Anna Duncan

London is one of the most popular cities in the world, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. But have you ever wondered what the city was called before it became London?

Well, the old name of London is actually “Londinium”. Londinium was founded by the Romans in AD 43 and served as their capital until the end of Roman rule in Britain in AD 410.

The Founding of Londinium

Londinium was founded shortly after the Roman conquest of Britain. The site was chosen because it was located on the Thames River, which provided easy access to trade routes and allowed for easy transportation of goods.

The city quickly grew in size and importance, becoming a major center for trade and commerce. It also served as a military stronghold, with walls built around the city to protect it from invaders.

Life in Londinium

Life in Londinium was very different from what we know today. The city was much smaller than modern-day London, with a population estimated to be around 60,000 at its peak.

Despite its small size, Londinium was a bustling city with markets, shops, and public baths. People from all over the Roman Empire came to Londinium to trade goods and do business.

Infrastructure

The Romans were known for their engineering prowess, and this is evident in Londinium’s infrastructure. The city had an extensive network of roads that connected it to other parts of Britain, and many of these roads are still used today.

Londinium also had a complex system of aqueducts that brought fresh water into the city from nearby springs. This allowed for larger populations to settle within the area without fear of running out of fresh water supply.

Architecture

Roman architecture is famous for its grandeur and sophistication. In Londinium, this is evident in buildings such as the Roman baths and the Temple of Mithras.

The Roman baths were a public bathing complex that featured hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms. The Temple of Mithras was a religious site dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, and it was one of the most important temples in the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Londinium was the old name of London. It was founded by the Romans in AD 43 and served as their capital until AD 410.

Life in Londinium was very different from modern-day London, with a smaller population and a focus on trade and commerce. However, many Roman influences can still be seen in modern-day London’s infrastructure and architecture.