Londinium (Roman London) c.43AD – 410AD

43 AD, the Roman Empire invaded and conquered Britain, establishing Londinium as a strategic settlement along the River Thames. The city quickly grew into a bustling urban center, with Roman-style buildings, markets, temples, and public baths. Londinium served as an important hub for trade and commerce, connecting Britain to the wider Roman Empire.

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During this period, Londinium flourished as a cosmopolitan city, with a diverse population that included Romans, Britons, and immigrants from various parts of the empire. The city’s economy thrived on trade, with goods such as pottery, glassware, and food products imported and exported through its bustling port.

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Londinium’s strategic location and growing prosperity attracted wealthy Roman citizens, leading to the construction of grand villas, temples, and public buildings. The city also became an administrative and political center, with Roman officials overseeing governance and law enforcement.

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In 60 AD, Londinium was hit by a major fire that destroyed a significant portion of the city. However, the Romans quickly rebuilt and expanded Londinium, constructing new roads, walls, and public infrastructure to enhance its resilience and functionality.

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By 200 AD, Londinium had evolved into a thriving metropolis, with a population estimated to be around 60,000 people. The city’s influence extended beyond its walls, as it served as a cultural, economic, and political center for Roman Britain.

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In the early 5th century, Londinium faced challenges as the Roman Empire began to decline and face external threats. In 410 AD, the Roman legions withdrew from Britain, leaving Londinium vulnerable to attacks from invading tribes, such as the Saxons and Picts. The city experienced decline and unrest, leading to a period of instability and transformation.

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At Roman Greek ( www.romangreek.com ) we find more information on the ending of Roman Londinium and Roman Britannia

Sources: Zosimus (491-518) in romangreek & Honorius (410) in romangreek.com | see: Rescript of Honorius – Roman Geek

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Events leading to the end of Roman Rule in Britain
In 383 CE, Magnus Maximus took the Legions in Britannia to Gaul where he defeated the Emperor Gratian and ruled Gaul and Britannia together. In 388 CE, whilst en-route to invade Italy, he was defeated in Pannonia by the Emperor Theodosius I.

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Raids started in 383 CE by the Saxons, Picts and Scots.

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In 395 CE Theodosius I died and his ten year old son Honorius became Emperor. The Roman General Stilicho was left in charge of the Empire.

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Between 396-398 CE, the last record of Roman Military intervention in Britannia, is an instruction by Stilicho to conduct a campaign against the Picts.

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408 CE The remaining Legions were taken to Trier, Gallia Belgica by another usurper Constantine III and never returned.

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408-9 CE unprotected by the Legions, Britannia was then devastated by two major Saxon raids.

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This was a replay of The Great Conspiracy of 367-368 CE when waves of Saxons, Franks, Picts, Scotti and Attacotti had attacked and burnt British Cities.

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According to Zosimus and Gildas, the consequence was that Britannia revolted against Roman Rule and Law, and expelled all the Roman Magistrates from British cities, furious that Rome had not protected them.

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409-410 CE Honorius then sent the ‘Rescript of Honorius’, telling the Britons they must in future defend themselves.

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The Legions were never sent back to Britannia.

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The End of Roman Rule in Britannia
In 383 CE the Legions in Britannia had been taken to Gaul by Magnus Maximus.

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In 408 CE the remaining Legions were taken to Trier by Constantine III and never returned, leaving Britannia undefended.

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Therefore, the Rescript of Honorius, sent in 409-410 CE, is considered by historians to be the Official Legal Document ending Roman Rule in Britannia.

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