Roman Town
Viroconium was established in about AD 58 as a legionary fortress for the 14th legion during their invasion of what is now Wales. They were later replaced by the 20th legion, until the fortress was abandoned by the military around AD 88 and taken over by the civilian settlement that had grown up around the fort. By AD 130 it had expanded to cover an area of more than 173 acres (70 ha). It then had many public buildings, including baths and a colonnaded forum dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, as shown by the remains of an inscription. Simpler temples and shops have also been excavated. At its peak, Viroconium is estimated to have been the fourth largest Roman settlement in Britain, with a population of more than 15,000.
Read more about this topic: Viroconium Cornoviorum
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