BattlefieldsBoudiccan destruction of Londinium
Roman Period

Boudiccan destruction of Londinium

60
Greater London, England
Also known as: Sack of London 60 AD · Burning of Londinium
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Londinium civilians
Forces
minimal Roman defenders; city evacuated before sack
VS
Victor
Iceni / Boudicca
Forces
Boudiccan army
Outcome
City burned to the ground; all remaining inhabitants massacred; thick red destruction layer found in archaeology
The Battle

History & Significance

Suetonius Paulinus evacuated Londinium rather than defend it with insufficient troops, abandoning civilians to their fate. Boudicca's forces burned the city and massacred an estimated 25,000 people. A distinctive red-ochre layer found beneath modern London streets is the archaeological fingerprint of this destruction. This was the largest single catastrophe in Britain's recorded history to that date.

Casualties & Losses

c.25,000 civilians killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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