The Brythonic-Celtic fortress of Camulodunon rose from the marshes between West Bergholt and Great Horkesley during the 1st century BC. Archaeologists have identified the Pitchbury Ramparts as the earliest defensive site while the main earthworks reached their peak in the 1st century AD.
Emperor Claudius personally oversaw the Roman attack on Camulodunon following the death of King Cunobelinus around AD 43. Aulus Plautius led four legions across the Channel to defeat Togodumnus near the Thames before waiting for Claudius to arrive with artillery and elephants.
The rebels destroyed the city slaughtering its population of approximately 30,000 people during the uprising against Roman authorities. Archaeologists have found thick layers of ash across the town center and at the Sheepen river port site containing charred furniture and human bones with wounds.
Colonia Claudia Victricensis flourished during the second and third centuries becoming the largest industrial center in Britannia after being rebuilt on a larger scale reaching 108 acres. It produced samian ware glasswork metalwork and operated a coin mint alongside brick making and wine growing.
Public baths were discovered in summer 2019 after decades of searching while two theaters existed within the walls one holding 3,000 seats and another reaching 5,000 capacity making it Britain's largest.