Londinium: A Biography

* Winner of the PROSE Award (2019) for Classics * 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.

Richard Hingley is Emeritus Professor of Roman Archaeology at Durham University, UK. He is the author of Hadrian's Wall: A Life (2012), Londinium: A Biography (Bloomsbury Academic, 2018) and Conquering the Ocean: The Roman Invasion of Britain (2022).

List of Figures Preface Introduction 1. Rites of Passage on the Thames in the Iron Age 2. A place of trade: Londinium from AD 45 to AD 60 3. Boudica and Londinium in AD 60 4. Re-establishing urban order from AD 60 to 70 5. Londinium from AD 70 to AD 120 6. Hadrianic fires 7. Londinium's peak of development from AD 125 to AD 200 8. Third century stability 9. Endings and beginnings Conclusion. Beginnings and endings Appendix. Site codes and names for excavations discussed in the text Bibliography Index