Corinium Dobunnorum

Corinium Dobunnorum was the Romano-British settlement at modern Cirencester in Gloucestershire, established around AD 44 as a Roman fort and growing into the second-largest town in Roman Britain after Londinium. By the 2nd century, it covered 240 acres with an estimated population of 12,000-15,000 as the tribal capital (civitas) of the Dobunni. The town featured a forum and basilica larger than any in Britain except London's, an amphitheatre seating approximately 8,000 spectators, and grand townhouses with intricate mosaic floors. Its prosperity derived from wool production, livestock farming, and the distinctive Corinium Ware pottery. The town was effectively abandoned by around AD 430 following the Roman withdrawal.