Durovernum Cantiacorum, Roman settlement archaeological site in Canterbury, England
Durovernum Cantiacorum is a Roman settlement in Canterbury located at the intersection of the River Stour, displaying remains of a street grid, theater, and defensive walls from the third century. The Roman Museum was built upon the foundations of an excavated Roman townhouse and displays artifacts and architectural elements from the ancient settlement.
The Romans established this settlement around 43 AD, transforming a Celtic regional capital into one of the earliest administrative centers of southeast Britain. The settlement thrived over the following centuries and became a major hub for trade and governance in the region.
The Roman theater with its vaulted foundations hosted performances and public gatherings. People from across the region came here to meet and participate in events.
Access to the remains is mainly through the Roman Museum, located in the city center and displaying archaeological finds and details about the ancient settlement. Plan to spend adequate time here, as many remains lie beneath modern buildings and streets.
In the fifth century, Germanic settlers built specific wooden structures called Grubenhäuser, marking the transition between Roman rule and Anglo-Saxon settlement. These buildings demonstrate how life changed fundamentally after Rome's withdrawal.
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