Ancient Roman settlement of Calleva

Calleva originated during the Iron Age and became the centre of the kingfom of the Atrebates. After Roman invasion in 43AD, the town was enlarged. It thrived throughout Roman rule, but, upon their departure, the town was slowly abandoned.

Today, the site is managed by English Heritage. You can visit the crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre. Entrance is free.

Silchester in Hampshire originated as Calleva, a centre of the Iron Age Atrebates tribe from the late 1st century BC. After the Roman conquest of AD 43 it became the large and important town of Calleva Atrebatum.

Unlike most Roman towns, it was never reoccupied or built over after it was abandoned in the 6th or 7th century, so archaeological investigations have given an unusually complete picture of its development.

The complete circuit of the Roman walls, some of the best-preserved Roman town defences in England, and remains of the amphitheatre still stand.

For more information, see: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/silchester-roman-city-walls-and-amphitheatre