Calleva Atrebatum

Calleva Atrebatum is a Roman town in Silchester, England, with preserved stone walls enclosing a rectangular layout. The site reveals house foundations, public buildings, and a street network that reflects Roman urban planning.

Iron Age settlers of the Atrebates lived here before the Romans expanded and fortified the settlement after 43 AD. Over several centuries, the place grew into an administrative center before eventually being abandoned.

The amphitheater stands outside the walls and shows how public gatherings took place in Roman Britain. Visitors can still trace the shape of the arena, which served for games and community meetings.

The paths run over flat ground and are accessible for most visitors, though some sections can become slippery after rain. The walls and gates are best seen in daylight when the structures are clearly visible.

Wells within the town contain remains of wooden objects and organic material that were protected by standing water. These finds provide insight into crafts and daily routines that would have vanished at drier locations.

Location: Silchester

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/silchester-roman-city-walls-and-amphitheatre

GPS coordinates: 51.35722,-1.08250

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25