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

This major new work on Roman London brings together the many new discoveries of the last generation and provides a detailed overview of the city from before its foundation in the first century 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 drawing together 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 not only provides 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.

“This book has long been needed … [A] successful selection of structural, burial, and epigraphic evidence that serves to illustrate a chronological narrative of the development of Londinium.” - Bryn Mawr Classical Review

“[T]his book will become the go-to book for researching Roman London, to anchor and orientate, and to point toward the archives and publications … it is the essential collation of recent research that London has been crying out for. As a biography, we see Londinium’s birth and questionable parentage, its troubled Boudican infancy, then its maturity, and finally its economic wobbles as age sets in.” —American Journal of Archaeology

“An impressive overview of present thought ... This briskly written synthesis, packed with helpful plans, is a great overview of the Roman town, and a handy launchpad for further reading about specific sites.” —Current Archaeology

“An extraordinary achievement. Richard Hingley guides us expertly through the remains of Roman Londinium, throwing light into the archaeological shadows. This is the benchmark and springboard for any future study.” —Michael Shanks, Professor of Classical Archaeology, Stanford University, USA