Roman Town Verulamium

Even before the arrival of the Romans, the site was known as Verlamion and served as the capital of the Catuvellauni tribe, founded by their leader Tasciovanus. In 50 AD, the Roman settlement was granted the status of a municipium and quickly developed into a center. Despite its destruction during Boudicca's rebellion in 61 AD, the city recovered and continued to grow. By the early 3rd century, Verulamium covered an area of about 50 hectares, protected by a deep ditch and a wall. The city had a forum, a basilica, a theater, baths, and several temples. It survived two major fires around 155 and 250 AD, after which reconstruction was carried out in stone. Roman rule ended between 450 and 500 AD. Later, the ruins were used as a quarry for the construction of St Albans.