LAYING OUT TOWNS

The establishment of formal towns in Roman Britain lasted until the mid-second century. Most started out in a broadly similar fashion, regardless of whether or not they were founded on sites previously occupied by forts, native settlements, or new plots. It has become fashionable to refute the idea that the army was principally responsible for doing this kind of work. But the Roman army was not a separate social caste, brought out of its barracks only on special occasions to do specific jobs. Soldiers functioned throughout the general community. They were continually detached on an unending series of administrative tasks, and also represented the largest repository of crafts and trades in the Roman world. They are widely attested as civil engineers, architects, labourers, builders and manufacturers. Moreover, many of Britain’s new towns were on sites previously occupied by forts.

The forum-basilica complex was the most important building in a major Roman town in Britain. The form of the forum and basilica varies throughout the Roman world. In Britain, the basic archetype resembles most closely the headquarters building of a military fort. Although we cannot be certain, it is very likely that military architects and engineers were probably involved in the design and layout of many civic centres and other aspects of towns in Britain.

130. Lower Thames Street (London).

Model of the wharfs at London as they might have appeared in the late first century. Behind the diKks st(K>d a variety of warehouses. Since the Thames has been progressively narrt>wed by embankments, the remains of Roman wharfs are usually found inland beneath medieval and later deposits. (Museum of London).

In the province of Mnureuinia in the mid-second century, the town of Saldae was engaged in digging out a tunnel through a mountain to bring water to the city. The work had been badly surveyed, and the tunnel, begun from both sides, was out of alignment. The town had to solicit the help of Nonius Datus, a retired military surveyor of the III legion to help out. At the time, Mauretanm had been a province no longer than Britain. WTiat chance was there in Britain in the 70s of finding all the necessary skills to lay out and build towns without resorting to some military assistance?