Camulodunum

Camulodunum, modern Colchester in Essex, was the first capital of Roman Britain. Originally the Celtic oppidum of the Trinovantes tribe under King Cunobelin, it was conquered during the Claudian invasion of AD 43. The Romans built the first monumental temple in Britain here, dedicated to Emperor Claudius, and established Britain's first formal colony in AD 49. Destroyed during Boudica's revolt in AD 60-61, it was rebuilt with 8-foot-thick walls enclosing 100 acres. The city featured two theatres, a chariot circus, and over 50 known mosaics.