Isca Dumnoniorum

Isca Dumnoniorum is the ancient name of Exeter (Devon) in Britain. It was the capital of the Celtic tribe of Dumnonier.

The place seems to have had no significance in pre-Roman times. The Romans built here after the conquest of the province may at first a small military camp, although this is disputed. To 55 AD Legio II Augusta, the camp was set up at the site of the later city. This camp was abandoned shortly before 80 AD and again raised the place to civitas of Dumnonier.

The city has now received the usual buildings, such as a forum, a basilica and a bathroom, other public buildings could not be located so far. Isca Dumnoniorum also received a map with at right angles intersecting streets. From the north an aqueduct supplied the city with water. In the second half of the second century of the site eventually received city walls that surrounded an area that was about twice as large as the legion camp.

Little is known of the residential building. In the first and second century, most houses probably were made of wood, until the third century they were increasingly replaced by those made of stone. Only from the fourth century, there are also more sophisticated buildings with mosaics.

The city seems even in the fifth century and to have existed in the subsequent period. Above all, Welsh and Irish Celts came to this area until the city was probably taken at the end of the seventh century by the saxons.