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History > Lindum Colonia - Lincoln in Roman Times
Lindum Colonia - Lincoln in Roman Times
Shortly after conquering this part of Britain in AD 48, the Romans built a legionary fortress on top of the hill. Lying 60m (200ft) above the countryside to the south and west, this overlooked the natural lake formed by the widening of the River Witham and marked the northern end of the Fosse Way Roman road (now the A46), making a prime strategic location.
The Celtic name ‘Lindon’ was subsequently Latinized to ‘Lindum’. When the legion moved on in AD 71, Lindum was converted into a settlement for army veterans and given the title Colonia.
‘Lindum Colonia’ (full name ‘Colonia Domitiana Lindensium’, after its founder Domitian) was established within the walls of the hilltop fortress, with an extension of similar area stretching down the hillside to the riverbank below.
This became a major flourishing settlement, accessible from the sea both through the River Trent and through the River Witham. When the Late Roman province of Flavia Caesariensis was created in the early 4th century, Lindum Colonia was its provincial capital. However, the settlement and its waterways subsequently fell into decline, and by the close of the 5th century was largely deserted.
