The Role of The Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Normans on the
London has been affected by many cultures since it was first founded in AD 43 by the Romans. Between the Romans, Vikings, Saxons, and Normans, the development of London as a city has been long and diverse. Towers, palaces, bridges, roads, and fortresses have been built in order to preserve and protect London. Although these peoples are all very different, they certainly had one thing in common: they all wanted to control the powerful city of London. By invading and taking over the city, these cultures have all helped to shape London into the city that it is today. The buildings that they created reveal the activities, manners, affluence, structure of family life, and the conduct of business of each culture (class notes).Roman London started in AD 43 when they invaded from the Kentish coast and made their way through the Thames to London (Ford 1). The building of the first bridge led to London becoming “the focal point for the network of metalled roads constructed to link the Kentish and south coast ports with the main Roman towns north of the Thames, Canulodunum (Colchester), Verulanium (St Albans), and Lindum (Lincoln)” (Inwood 17). They also built the London Bridge, another important site. This bridge was extreme
After all of this had been established, however, the Vikings raided London and the Saxon dynasty crumbled (class notes). The Vikings came from Scandinavia to kill, destroy, and collect riches. They were not sympathetic and only wanted to be wealthy and find treasure. They certainly did not help in the flourishing of the city. If there was any peace at this time it was over when the Vikings arrived. As Edward left no heir to the throne, the choice was between his cousin, William Duke of Normandy (whom Edward promised the kingship to) and Harold, his brother in law (Ford 1). Harold was crowned king but William raised an army to conquer Harold and that is exactly what he did (Ford 4). This became known as the Battle of Hastings (class notes). King Alfred the Great made a big influence on the Anglo-Saxon civilization. He forced the Viking leaders to formulate peace (Ford 2). The Roman Walls were also repaired and “a South-Werk was constructed across the river to protect the ferry crossing” (Ford 2). Ludenwic, as the Anglo-Saxons called it, was preparing itself to become a strong city and a commercial centre.
Some topics in this essay:
Boudicca Inwood,
Diana Ford,
Saxons Normans,
London Bridge,
Royal Council,
Roman London,
Westminster Abbey,
London Ford,
Northern Germany,
Roman Wall,
ford 2,
class notes,
ford 1,
inwood 36,
london city,
roman london,
class notes normans,
athena review,
st paul’s,
inwood 17,
introduced christianity,
amphitheatre ford 2,
roman london started,
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Approximate Word count = 1267
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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