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History of York
Roman York
The history of York begins with the arrival of the ninth legion in AD 71 and the fortress of Eboracum – ‘place of the yew trees’. Prehistoric settlers had tended to avoid making homes in the vale of York due to bad drainage, poor soils and large areas of heathland, swampland and open forest.
The arrival of the Romans in York signalled the second phase of their invasion of Britain. Having already consolidated their rule in the southern and central regions they now set about establishing rule in the North. York would prove advantageous ground for settlement given the prominence of the River Ouse which allowed supplies to be brought in from the Humber estuary and North Sea. Later on into the campaign it would also serve as an important base for soldiers participating in the Scottish campaigns, its proximity to Hadrian’s wall also allowing ‘rapid access’ to either end of the frontier.
The fortress built by the Romans on their arrival became the headquarters of the ninth legion and stood on the site now occupied by York Minster (the foundations may still be seen in the crypt). It was established under Quintus Petillius Cerialis - the true founder of the city – and would have been constructed using earth and timber before being replaced by stone in the second century. Parts of the stone fortress may still be seen in the museum gardens, where the Multangular Tower, standing at 17ft marks the South West corner of the Roman headquarters.
Around the military world of Eboracum grew a civilian population that served its everyday needs. A bath house was erected on the corner of what is now High Ousegate and Spurriergate. A large amphitheatre was built, possibly between the wealthy area of St Andrewgate and St Saviourgate. Coney Street housed a grain warehouse and altars and temples could be found on Nessgate. The civilian population grew up around the south bank of the Ouse near what is now Tanner Row and Toft Green, growing to such a size and significance as to earn Eboracum the title of ‘Colonia’ in AD 237. By the fourth century it was being proclaimed capital of the province of Valentia.
Undoubtably the most important moment in the history of Roman York was the death in AD 306 of Emperor Constantius Chlorus while visiting the fortress with his son, Constantine. The soldiers of the ninth legion immediately proclaimed Constantine as Roman Emperor and therefore Emperor of the West from within the basilica of their headquarters. Although the succession would not be a smooth one, Constantine would be acknowledged as undisputed Emperor in AD 312. His conversion to Christianity on the eve of the Battle of Milvian Bridge would usher in period of toleration towards the new faith although he would not actually be baptized until he lay on his deathbed, 25 years later.
The end of the Roman occupation of York can be dated to somewhere in the fifth century, a time in which civil war and barbarian attacks threatened to destroy the heart of the Empire. The garrison withdrew to the continent leaving Britain and the people of York to fend for themselves against barbarian invaders. The conquest of the region by the Anglian King Edwin would signal a new period of history for York, and a new name - Eorforwic.