Romano-British Empire, Allectus
London 293-296 CE
AE 2.90g, 21mm
Radiate and cuirassed bust of Allectus left “IMP C ALLECTVS PF AVG”
Galley left, “VIRTVS AVG”, “QL” in exergue
RIC 55; Rogiet 1017; Burnett, Coinage 111
Londinium was the capital of Roman Britain and the precursor for modern London. The date of its foundation is disputed, with some arguing for 43 CE – during the invasion under Claudius – and some for several years afterwards. The earliest structure found dates to 47 CE.
It was a tiny city and was evacuated shortly afterwards during the rebellion of Boudica. After she was defeated, the city rapidly grew into the largest Roman city in Britain and by the 2nd century CE contained between 30,000 and 60,000 inhabitants.
Sometime after Hadrian’s visit in 122, a fire destroyed a large portion of the city. Since Sherlock Holmes was not around at the time, we don’t know the details. In the last 2nd and early 3rd centuries CE, the London Wall was built around the city, and served as the border of London for nearly 1600 years. Parts of the wall are still extant.
possible foundation of Londinium
Londinium evacuated under an attack by Boudica
The Emperor Hadrian visits Londinium