Essex Castle: Unveiling a Roman Temple, One of UK’s Oldest Remains

Essex has a huge coastline in the UK. It spans around 350 miles. The area was key for invasions, and Essex has a full history. You can still see parts of it today, as Colchester was a Roman capital with a famous Roman temple.

Romans knew Colchester as Camulodunum, which translates to ‘fortress of the God of War’. Colchester held big importance for both Essex and England. The temple went up around 49-60 AD and later turned into Colchester Castle.

Claudius led the Roman invasion of Britain, bringing troops and elephants in 43 AD. He stayed only 16 days, but they honored him with the name Britannicus. He became Emperor after Caligula’s death.

Work on the temple began in 49 AD, and they named it for Claudius after his death in 54 AD. It had no windows, and only the foundations still remain. Locals built it using Essex coast materials.

People visit the temple and castle today, as both are on the same ground. The Temple of Claudius is still interesting because they built it thousands of years ago.