Features of Roman Towns/Cities
Major period of urbanization between 80 and 130 CE
Basic elements of a Roman town/city
- Forum
- Center of trade (mercellum)
- Center of public life
- Civic center
- Public buildings
- Basilica: town meeting hall
- Manis: hotel for public officials
- Temples
- Classical, still, like Temple of Claudius at Colchester
- Romano-Celtic style like at Maiden Castle
- Bath houses
- Theaters and amphitheaters
- Shops
- Residential area
- Industrial area
- Public works
- Water supply
- Drainage
- Sewers
- Garbage removal
- Town/City walls introduced towards end of 2nd century CE
- Town/City plans on grid pattern
- Divided buildings into blocks: insulae
- Central insula generally for the Forum
Silchester (Calleva)
- Located west of Londinium (#79)
- Founded on a pre-Roman town
- Became a civitas during the Flavian Period
- In 2nd-3rd centuries surrounded by a wall
- Features of a Roman town
- Forum
- Basilica
- Temple in Romano-Celtic style
- Public baths
- Public works
- Houses
- Shops and workshops