Calleva Atrebatum- A Roman Town

The large Roman town known as Calleva Atrebatum developed from its Iron Age predecessor from the mid first century AD onwards. 

 The town as it looked in the third century AD. The east gate led to the London road and the gatehouse stood on the site of the current farm.  (Drawing by Ivan Lapper) © English HeritageA regular street grid was laid down over an area of about 40 hectares. Important buildings included public baths in the south-east quarter, and an administrative centre (the forum basilica) in the centre. There was a rest-house (mansio) near the south gate, used by travellers on imperial business, and an amphitheatre on the eastern edge of the town.

Archaeological investigations over the past 100 years have provided much information about the layout of the town ©  English Heritage The principal streets of the town were crowded with shops and workshops, while wealthier people lived beyond them in larger ornate houses. Several small temples have been identified across the town, as well as a possible Christian church. The town was defended from about AD 200.