BattlefieldsSack of Londinium (Boudiccan Revolt)
Roman Period

Sack of Londinium (Boudiccan Revolt)

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Romans / inhabitants of Londinium
Forces
minimal Roman defenders; city evacuated before sack
VS
Victor
Iceni (Boudicca)
Forces
Boudiccan army
Outcome
Londinium evacuated on Paulinus's orders and destroyed; destruction layer preserved in archaeology
The Battle

History & Significance

After Camulodunum, Boudicca turned on Londinium. Governor Paulinus judged the town indefensible and evacuated the army, abandoning the civilian population. The city was burned to the ground — a metre-thick burnt horizon of red clay, scorched grain and debris marks the event in the archaeology of the City of London. This layer of destruction is one of the most dramatic in British urban archaeology.

Casualties & Losses

Estimated tens of thousands killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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