Urbanization
Embark on a journey through the evolution of urban centers in Roman Britain with our curated reading list on the urbanization of this fascinating province.
Delve into the dynamic processes that shaped the growth and development of cities such as Londinium (London), Verulamium (St Albans), and Eboracum (York) from their humble beginnings to bustling hubs of commerce, administration, and culture. Explore seminal works by leading archaeologists, historians, and classicists that shed light on various aspects of urban life, including architecture, infrastructure, governance, and social organization. Uncover the impact of Romanization on indigenous communities, the role of urban centers as centers of power and prestige, and the interactions between different ethnic groups within these cosmopolitan environments. From comprehensive surveys of archaeological evidence to nuanced analyses of textual sources and inscriptions, our reading list offers a rich tapestry of scholarship that deepens our understanding of urbanism in Roman Britain and its enduring legacy in the modern world. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, student, or enthusiast, these resources provide invaluable insights into one of the most fascinating chapters in British history.
General
- de la Bedoyere, G., The buildings of Roman Britain, London, 1991.
- Millett, M., Revell, L. & Moore, A.J., The Oxford handbook of Roman Britain, Oxford, 2016, Ch. 36-37.
- Wacher, J., The towns of Roman Britain, London, 1975.
Further Reading
- Barker, P., White, R.H., Pretty, K., Bird, H. & Corbishley, M.J., The baths basilica, Wroxeter: excavations 1966-90, London, 1997.
- Bird, J., Hassall, M.W.C. & Sheldon, H. (ed.), Interpreting Roman London: papers in memory of Hugh Chapman, Oxford, 1996.
- Burnham, B.C. & Wacher, J., The small towns of Roman Britain, London, 1990.
- Cosh, S.R., ‘Seasonal Dining-Rooms in Romano-British Houses’ in Britannia Vol.32, 2001, 219-242.
- Ellis, S.P., ‘Classical Reception Rooms in Romano-British Houses’ in Britannia Vol.26, 1995, 163-178.
- Ellis, P., The Roman baths and Macellum at Wroxeter: excavations by Graham Webster 1955-85, London, 2000.
- Frere, S., Verulamium excavations, London, 1972-1983.
- Haynes, I., London Under Ground, Oxford, 2017.
- Hurst, H.R. & Crummy, P., The Coloniae of Roman Britain: new studies and a review : papers of the conference held at Gloucester on 5-6 July, 1997, Portsmouth RI, 1999.
- Marsden, P., Roman London, London, 1980.
- McWhirr, A., Cirencester excavations: III: Houses in Roman Cirencester, Cirencester, 1986.
- Merrifield, R., London: city of the Romans, London, 1983.
- Milne, G., The port of Roman London, London, 1985.
- Perring D. & Roskams, S., The Archaeology of Roman London: Vol.2: Early development of Roman London west of the Walbrook, London, 1991.
- Smith, A. & Fulford, M., ‘The Defended Vici of Roman Britain: Recent Research and New Agendas’ in Britannia Vol.50, 2019, 109-147.
- Webster, J., Fortress into city: the consolidation of Roman Britain, first century AD, London, 1988.
- Walthew, C.V., ‘The Town House and the Villa House in Roman Britain’ in Britannia Vol.6, 1975, 189-205.
- Watson, B. & Bateman, N.C.W., Roman London: recent archaeological work : including papers given at a seminar held at the Museum of London on 16 Novenmber, 1996, Portsmouth RI, 1998.
