Camulodunum in AD 77
The earliest record of the Colchester's existence is a reference by the Roman writer, Pliny the Elder in AD77. In describing the island of Anglesey, he wrote that ‘it is about 200 miles from Camulodunum, a town in Britain'.
Camulodunum being the pre-Roman name for Colchester. This is the first known reference to any named settlement in this country.
Pliny died in AD79, one of the victims of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii.
What happened in Camulodunum?
Pre-Roman Camulodunum was inhabited by the Trinovantes – a Celtic tribe which occupied most of the areas now known as Essex and Suffolk. Their powerful ruler, Cunobelin, was known by the Romans as King of the Britons.
Romans, under the direction of Emperor Claudius, invaded the town in 43AD, and Camulodunum became the capital of Roman Britain.
In 61AD Boudica, member of the Celtic Iceni tribe from Norfolk, led an army to sack Roman Colchester, burning the town to the ground in protest.
Discover Colchester
Learn more on our next Guided Tours
Visit Britain's Oldest Recorded Town Today
See historic sites and artefacts dating back from the time of the Boudica, The Romans and the time around which Camulodunum is first mentioned.
Today in Colchester you will find:
Balkerne Gate, original entrance to the town, upgraded to a “Triumphal Arch” when Emperor Claudius invaded the town
The Roman Wall, built as defences around the town after 60AD after Boudica’s revolt
The Roman Circus, the only known Roman chariot-racing track in Britain
Mosaics from Roman households in various locations, including Firstsite and Colchester Castle
Romano-Celtic artefacts in Colchester Castle Museum, including household items, weaponry and coins.
Dutch Quarter
Colchester
Located just north of the High Street and includes: Maidenburgh Street, West Stockwell Street, East Stockwell Street, Stockwell Street, St Helen's Lane, Northgate Street and Nunn's Road.
Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius. The Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors.
Colchester Roman Circus Centre
Colchester
The Colchester Roman circus (chariot-racing arena) was discovered in 2005. It was built in the early 2nd century AD and seems to have been in use for about 150 years. It is the only known Roman circus in Britain.
St John's Abbey Gate
Colchester
Dating from the 15th century this fine flint flushwork gatehouse just off St John's Green has a vaulted interior. It was the entrance to St John's Abbey precinct (demolished during the 16th century Reformation).
Roman Church
Colchester
Dating from the 4th century AD the foundations of this church near the Police Station just off the Maldon Road roundabout is probably the earliest known Christian church in Britain.
St Botolph's Priory, Colchester
Colchester
The first English Augustinian priory church, founded at the end of the eleventh century from the Anglo-Saxon minster community of Colchester. Only the ruined remains of the nave survive today, under the care of English Heritage.
Roman Wall/Guard Room/Triumphal Arch
Colchester
Colchester's Roman Wall is the oldest and longest surviving town wall in Britain.
Roman Theatre
Colchester
The remains of the Roman theatre in the town centre can best be seen in Maidenburgh Street in the Dutch Quarter. Look for the darker paving in the road showing the outline of the theatre's walls.
Gosbecks Archaeological Park
Colchester
The Archaeological Park is one of the most significant Iron Age and Roman sites in the country. Enjoy a walk and discover the highlights of the site with the interpretation boards around the Park.
Discover Colchester's History
