Webb, Simon Prehistoric London

The Capital before the Romans

Despite the large number of works written and published about London, there has not yet been a comprehensive book dealing with the history of this part of the Thames Valley before the arrival of the Romans. Starting with the Cretaceous period, which ended 66 million years ago, Prehistoric London examines the geology of this part of Britain and explains why this particular section of the Thames proved to be an ideal location for a city. It also describes the animals and people who were attracted to the conditions there. From the time of the dinosaurs through the Iron Age to the Roman invasion in 43 AD, this is a comprehensive account of London before London. It is the story of the land and the people who lived there before anyone thought of founding a city on the banks of the Thames. However, Prehistoric London is not just a history book, but also a lively travel guide that explains how to explore modern London and find things like Iron Age hill forts and a spot where anyone can dig up shark teeth from the sand of a 55-million-year-old seabed. This book reveals the backstory of London, showing readers what happened in the capital long before a single stone was laid for the city we know today.