Durovernum Cantiacorum
Durovernum Cantiacorum was a Roman city in what is now England, in Kent, at the site of the present Canterbury.
Already in pre-Roman times was here a considerable Celtic settlement, were found during excavations of the still numerous remains of huts. The place was inhabited even after the conquest by the Romans. It is a military camp was established, which existed until about 60. The city received a plan at right angles intersecting streets, with this plan, however, some irregularities shows that will surely go back to the Celtic city. The city was elevated to capital of the Civitas Cantiaci and thus became one of the first Civitashauptstädte in the new province of Britannia. But the city was only at the turn of the second century the first important buildings.
In the city center the remains of the forum, a temple district and a large stone-built theater were discovered during excavations. The theater was built as early as 80 to 90, was established at the beginning of the third century again. It also remains have been found of at least two baths. To the west of the city they found a large building, which is perhaps a mansio, a rest house, acted. Remains of dwellings, which were initially, later mostly constructed of wood made of stone, have been found throughout the city. So far there are 14 residues or better-preserved mosaics. They usually show geometric patterns. A city wall was built, however, only at the end of the third century. Outside the walls there were several cemeteries.
There is ample evidence for craft in the city. Workshops were found mainly in the northwest of the city, outside the city walls. Excavations were found pottery and tile kilns. There were iron and bronze working. Outside the walls there were also limestone quarries
The city was abandoned after the Roman rule in the fifth century. There are some rich hoards (eg The Late Roman Treasure of Canterbury ), dating to 450 and may indicate an abrupt end to the city during the armed conflict with the Anglo-Saxons. It is likely that rich citizens wanted to secure their treasures from looting during a siege of the city, but later could not get back in their possession.