The paper considers the history of Calleva atrebatum (modern Silchester), one of the most important towns of south-east Britain. There were three key factors which determined the origin and development of Roman Calleva. The first one is geographical. Calleva occupied a very important position in the road network of the Roman province. It was the crossing of the routes which connected south, west and east regions of Britain. The second factor is local pre-Roman culture. Many traditions and habits from Late Iron Age did not disappear in the Roman town but continued and influenced Calleva's everyday life. The activities and the policy of Tiberius Claudius Togidubnus, the last ruler of the Southern Dynasty, was the third factor. He made Calleva the most important town of his land and thus determined the further development of the town.
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