Camulodunum

Camulodunum is an ancient Roman settlement whose remains spread across modern Colchester and include walls, theater foundations, and numerous excavated buildings. The site reveals the layout of a colonial town with street grids, administrative buildings, and public spaces that are partly accessible today.

The settlement was founded in 43 AD following the Roman invasion and served first as a fortress before becoming the first capital of the new province. In 60 or 61 AD, the revolt led by Queen Boudica destroyed the town almost completely, though it was rebuilt afterward.

The name comes from Camulos, a Celtic war god adopted by Romans when they founded the settlement. The original population of Britons lived alongside Roman veterans who received land grants after military service.

The remains are scattered across several locations in the town, including accessible sections of the city wall and signage that guide you through the ancient layout. A visit to the local museum provides additional information and artifacts that help make sense of the individual sites.

Excavations uncovered the only known Roman circus in Britain, a long oval structure measuring around 450 meters (about 1,480 feet) in length that was used for chariot races. The traces of the arena lie beneath residential streets today and are visible only through ground markings.