Many of the military buildings were retained and converted, but the legionary defences were dismantled, leaving the town fatally unprotected. The colonia was populated mainly by retired soldiers, whose role was to spread Roman civilisation and keep an eye on the natives. The Roman army then built a legionary fortress on the hi ghest ground inside Camulodunum, the site of the present town centre.īy AD49 the fortress at Camulodunum had been turned into a civilian settlement named Colonia Claudia after the Emperor, and this became the first capital of the new Roman province of Britannia. The Emperor Claudius spent just sixteen days in Britain, long enough to lead his troops into Camulodunum and receive the submission of several British kings.
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To get the full story, visit the Colchester Castle Museum, built on the historic site where the Temple of Claudius was burnt to the ground and today home of numerous Roman artifacts among its myriad treasures.
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You will find a selection of maps and guides to download below, or stop by the Visitor Information Centre for physical copies and expert advice.Ĭolchester's dramatic story from it's rise to the capital of Britain to it's destruction at the hands of Boudicca, Queen of the Celts, is woven into the fabric of the town. Much of ancient Camulodonum can be discovered simply by walking the streets of Colchester. The defensive wall circling the town remains two thirds intact and ' walking the walls' is a popular activity with tourists and locals alike. Large town houses have been uncovered with under floor heating and fine decorated mosaic floors.
Roman Colchester was home to 3 theatres- more than any other in Britain, and hosted the only Roman chariot-racing Circus on the island. The Roman town was extremely important in Roman Britain and many of its attributes have survived to the present day. Camulodunum - The 'Fortress of the War God Camulos' - was the capital of Roman Britain and Britain's First City.įast forward to Summer 2021 and although the name has now changed to Colchester it remains one of the finest locations for exploring Roman Britain in the country and is a fantastic town for history lovers to explore on a day trip or short break.Īs well as the surviving ruins, which have stood for thousands of years, Roman Colchester is also celebrated in more modern ways, from a cutting-edge exhibition, De-coding the Roman Dead, currently running at the Castle Museum to the informative Roman Circus Visitor Centre, or brand new walking trails for adults and children alike.