The History of London Pt. 1

London’s development stems from the strategic advantages of the Thames, which provided a tidal river and a narrow crossing point ideal for early settlement. While legends like Brutus of Troy offer mythical origins, archaeological evidence confirms the site’s transition from an Iron Age hub to the Roman military camp of Londinium in 43 AD. The city’s structure, defined by its defensive walls and radiating road networks, persisted through centuries of upheaval, including Viking raids and the Saxon establishment of Lundenwic. King Alfred the Great’s 886 AD decision to re-fortify the original Roman city solidified its status as a permanent commercial center. Later, Edward the Confessor’s expansion to Westminster introduced a distinct political and religious hub, establishing the dual-center dynamic that continues to define London’s urban identity today. This long-term evolution reflects a history of diverse cultural integration and persistent autonomy.