Verulamium, Roman archaeological site in St Albans, England

Verulamium is an ancient city in St Albans, England, whose remains include walls, a theatre, forum foundations, and residential buildings spread across a broad area beside the River Ver. The layout of the structures can still be traced today, and sections of the town wall rise several meters from the ground.

The Catuvellauni leader Tasciovanus minted coins at the pre-Roman settlement of Verlamion. After the Roman conquest, the town was sacked and burnt by Boudica in 61, then rebuilt in timber; a fire in 155 led to rebuilding in stone. Two further fires, around 250, damaged the forum, basilica and theatre, and Roman occupation ended between 400 and 450.

The ancient name derives from a Celtic settlement that existed before Roman occupation and was later transformed into a town. Visitors can explore the floor plans of former homes with underfloor heating at several locations, showing how Roman families lived in Britain.

Access follows marked paths in the park that wind between the preserved ruins and offer a good overview of the site. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as some sections are uneven and can become slippery after rain.

The theatre lies on the grounds of the Gorhambury Estate, which runs it, and has been called the only fully excavated Roman theatre of its kind in Britain: a stage theatre rather than an amphitheatre. Other Roman theatres exist in Britain, for example at Camulodunum.