700 Roman Town Names that Bring the Past to Life

Welcome to our blog article on “700 Roman Town Names.” In this exciting read, we have curated a collection of creative names inspired by the ancient Roman Empire. As Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” So let’s dive into this captivating world of Roman town names and discover the beauty they hold.

As a Naming Specialist with three years of experience, I have delved into the realm of creating names that evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue. Through my work in the field of fantasy character naming, I have come to appreciate the power of a well-chosen name. Whether it’s for a fictional hero or a real-life town, a name has the ability to shape perceptions, evoke emotions, and transport us to different times and places.

In this article, I promise you an exploration of 700 unique Roman town names. Each name has been carefully researched and selected to provide you with a diverse range of options. Whether you’re a writer looking for inspiration, a gamer seeking the perfect name for your virtual empire, or simply curious about the rich history of the Roman Empire, this article will not disappoint. So get ready to embark on a journey through time as we unveil these captivating Roman town names.

Roman Town Names

  • Londinium
  • Alcemi
  • Colonia Patricia
  • Sufetula
  • Aemocillum
  • Alapae
  • Alcatiam
  • Abdera
  • Colonia Caecilia Metellinum
  • Dubris
  • Cyrene
  • Panticapaeum
  • Barcino
  • Iulia Paterna Sarmizegetusa
  • Syene
  • Albano
  • Pax Iulia
  • Apamea
  • Octodurus
  • Albagum
  • Taurini
  • Abula
  • Puteoli
  • Colonia Agrippina
  • Trier
  • Lilybaeum
  • Albulae
  • Veldidena
  • Burrium
  • Concordia Sagittaria
  • Altrinum
  • Calleva Atrebatum
  • Colonia Victrix Iulia Lepida
  • Valcum
  • Durocorotum
  • Olisipo
  • Ercolano
  • Aguntum
  • Aurelianum
  • Ambiani
  • Tarraco
  • Turiaso
  • Alpium
  • Ad Mauros
  • Aquileia
  • Labacum
  • Verona
  • Saticula
  • Troesmis
  • Ecnomus
  • Castra Martis
  • Belginum
  • Lugdunum Convenarum
  • Dianinum
  • Tridentum
  • Subur
  • Osca
  • Alcem
  • Alpinum
  • Pompaelo
  • Ambrae
  • Turnacum Nerviorum
  • Noviodunum Aeduorum
  • Ratae Coritanorum
  • Aigales
  • Dionysopolis
  • Trapezus
  • Emerita
  • Ambrum
  • Tragurium

Roman Town Names

20 Roman Town Names With Meanings

Aurelia : Meaning “golden town,” Aurelia was renowned for its wealth and opulence, attracting merchants and traders from far and wide.

Verulamium : Verulamium, derived from the Celtic word “verlamion,” meaning “settlement above marshland,” was a thriving Roman town known for its strategic location and prosperous trade routes.

Aquae Sulis : Translating to “waters of Sulis,” Aquae Sulis was famous for its natural hot springs, which were believed to possess healing properties and drew visitors seeking therapeutic baths.

Londinium : Once a small Roman settlement on the River Thames, Londinium evolved into a bustling cosmopolitan city, serving as a vital hub for trade, commerce, and governance.

Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium : Established as a military colony, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, or Cologne, flourished as a commercial center along the Rhine River, showcasing Roman influence in Germania.

Eboracum : Eboracum, known today as York, was a significant Roman outpost and a vibrant trading hub, playing a pivotal role in the administration and defense of Britannia.

Pompeii : Preserved in volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii offers a unique glimpse into ancient Roman life, with its well-preserved buildings, art, and cultural artifacts.

Ephesus : As a major port city in Asia Minor, Ephesus thrived as a center for commerce, religion, and intellectual pursuits, housing the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Tarraco : Tarraco, modern-day Tarragona, held great importance as the capital of Roman Hispania, showcasing impressive architectural marvels, such as its amphitheater and aqueduct.

Mediolanum : Mediolanum, now Milan, was a prosperous Roman city known for its advanced infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene, and strategic position as a crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Alps.

Lugdunum : Serving as the capital of Roman Gaul, Lugdunum, or Lyon, thrived as a commercial and administrative center, leaving behind magnificent Roman ruins, including its ancient theater.

Massilia : Established by Greek settlers and later Romanized, Massilia, or Marseille, stood as a bustling Mediterranean port city, fusing Greek and Roman cultural influences.

Emerita Augusta : Founded by Emperor Augustus, Emerita Augusta, or Mérida, became an important Roman colony in Hispania, boasting impressive Roman ruins, such as its theater and aqueduct.

Caesarea Maritima : Built by Herod the Great, Caesarea Maritima flourished as a prosperous Roman city on the shores of the Mediterranean, showcasing grand architectural feats, including its harbor and amphitheater.

Carnuntum : Situated along the Danube River, Carnuntum served as a strategic military outpost and an important crossroads for trade, connecting the Roman Empire with the eastern regions.

Hispalis : Hispalis, known today as Seville, emerged as a thriving Roman city in Hispania Baetica, characterized by its impressive monuments, such as the Roman theater and the aqueduct of Carmona.

Pompeiopolis : Established in honor of Pompey the Great, Pompeiopolis thrived as a prominent Roman city in Cilicia, showcasing Roman architectural elements and cultural influences.

Venta Icenorum : Venta Icenorum, or Caistor St Edmund, served as the capital of the Iceni tribe in Roman Britain, housing various civic buildings and temples that reflect Roman urban planning.

Singidunum : Located on the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Singidunum, or Belgrade, played a crucial role as a Roman military fortress and trading hub in the province of Moesia.

Carthago Nova : Carthago Nova, or Cartagena, held great strategic importance as a Roman port city in Hispania, showcasing Roman architectural marvels, including its theater and Roman forum.

20 Roman Town Names With Meanings

Roman City Names

  • Ambritum
  • Aiti
  • Augusta Emerita
  • Aetis
  • Marcianopolis
  • Aggeres
  • Cauca
  • Colonia Caesar Augusta
  • Canatha
  • Acinipo
  • Regulbium
  • Hispalis
  • Ticinum
  • Aiseum
  • Lindinis
  • Cuicul
  • Armorica
  • Amma
  • Antipolis
  • Aesernia
  • Arverni
  • Cilurnum
  • Tisno
  • Calagurris Iulia Nasica
  • Drepana
  • Cirpi
  • Ailes
  • Bosona
  • Tentyra
  • Pisae
  • Varadinum
  • Augusta Taurinorum
  • Atuatuca Tungrorum
  • Augusta Vindelicorum
  • Tergeste
  • Gracchurris
  • Germania
  • Abusina
  • Dyrrachium
  • Todi
  • Praesidium
  • Corvinium
  • Turris
  • Castra Regina
  • Iuvavum
  • Caesaromagus
  • Trebizond
  • Apulum
  • Posonium
  • Iulia Noviomagus
  • Cantabrigia
  • Lauriacum
  • Durnovaria
  • Alcante
  • Almus
  • Colonia Flavia Scupi
  • Corinium
  • Mactaris
  • Iberia
  • Taparura
  • Flavia Solva
  • Viroconium
  • Lutetia
  • Sermium
  • Salona
  • Urbs Victrix Osca
  • Amabileum
  • Caprera
  • Ainetum

Roman City Names

Ancient Town Names

  • Lugdunum Batavorum
  • Matrica
  • Lugdunum
  • Borbetomagus
  • Brigantium
  • Ossonoba
  • Rhenus
  • Alia
  • Colonia Claudia Victricensis
  • Alcaban
  • Iunonia
  • Ostium
  • Alcantus
  • Aeflum
  • Brundisium
  • Alcium
  • Hibernia
  • Avennio
  • Albacum
  • Eboracum
  • Legio
  • Selymbria
  • Sardinia
  • Albaporta
  • Alcara
  • Abritus
  • Ariminium
  • Alaea
  • Herculea
  • Castrum Octavianum
  • Mauretania Caesariensis
  • Palmyra
  • Alclanum
  • Atina
  • Raphae
  • Syracuse
  • Etruria
  • Pontus Fractus
  • Cartennae
  • Aimogesta
  • Sentinum
  • Anio
  • Ad Flexum
  • Rigomagus
  • Albigus
  • Aphrodisias
  • Novae
  • Caprae
  • Dunum
  • Oenipontum
  • Pharos
  • Ad Taburnum
  • Aequum
  • Tropaeum Traiani
  • Emesa
  • Philadelphia
  • Mazaca
  • Nicaea
  • Alcavinium
  • Mamucium
  • Portus Adurni
  • Gortyn
  • Aenus
  • Zephyrium
  • Adsallunum
  • Acci
  • Quinque-Ecclesiis
  • Rhaedestus

Latin Town Names

  • Ad Vergentem
  • Singidunum
  • Coriallum
  • Colonia Victrix Iulia Celsa
  • Adulela
  • Cosa
  • Gesoriacum
  • Coristopitum
  • Gandavum
  • Lihnidos
  • Castulo
  • Aletum
  • Tingi
  • Epidamnus
  • Narbo
  • Sorviodurum
  • Sippar
  • Mons Bellona
  • Lucentum
  • Castellum apud Confluentes
  • Hispania Citerior
  • Cambria
  • Aggeris
  • Augustonementum
  • Gordianopolis
  • Thugga
  • Albul
  • Faesulae
  • Ambrium
  • Sinope
  • Icosium
  • Sarmizegetusa
  • Tarraconensis
  • Turicim
  • Caenophrurium
  • Viminiacum
  • Parentium
  • Hispellum
  • Macellum
  • Bagradas
  • Capua
  • Leptis Magna
  • Legentium
  • Colonia Dacica Sarmizegetusa
  • Venetiae
  • Adules
  • Colonia Iulia Gemella Acci
  • Sidicinum
  • Akum
  • Aldi
  • Lentia
  • Iulia Romula Hispalis
  • Histonium
  • Admurtium
  • Carcaso
  • Sobata
  • Volubilis
  • Albunea
  • Acrae
  • Aelia Capitolina
  • Arelape
  • Ammanii
  • Antiochia
  • Malata Bonenia
  • Augustodunum
  • Arbeia
  • Alviano

Famous Roman Town Names

  • Intercisa
  • Germania Inferior
  • Alia Augusta
  • Athenae
  • Germania Superior
  • Luguvalium
  • Amata
  • Roma
  • Solin
  • Colonia Iulia Felix Gemellae
  • Mogontiacum
  • Antium
  • Apollonia Pontica
  • Diocletianopolis
  • Ad Anisum
  • Colonia Iulia Illici Augusta
  • Byzantium
  • Bononia Malata
  • Agathe
  • Lugio
  • Alvius
  • Rotomagus
  • Arrabona
  • Hispania Ulterior
  • Forum Iulii
  • Arretium
  • Bilbilis
  • Abudiacum
  • Caralis
  • Budalia
  • Danaster
  • Cremona
  • Iulia Emona
  • Scarbantia
  • Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium
  • Turiaso Silbis
  • Arcidava
  • Colonia Claudia Augusta Pia
  • Aquitania
  • Alesia
  • Forum Claudii Vallensium
  • Sabratha
  • Alcabamum
  • Agrigentum
  • Callatis
  • Divodurum
  • Druentia
  • Rhegium
  • Arcisate
  • Tomi
  • Albiga
  • Gratianopolis
  • Celaenae
  • Leucarum
  • Colonia Claudia Savaria
  • Isara
  • Uxellodunum
  • Albam
  • Cularo
  • Bedriacum
  • Tibur
  • Tuder
  • Agedincum
  • Celsa
  • Uxama
  • Corinthus

Ancient Roman Town Names

  • Alermontium
  • Carthago
  • Aheide
  • Sergiopolis
  • Caecum
  • Aggerum
  • Carnuntum
  • Vezeliacum
  • Geneva
  • Aquisgranium
  • Baeterrae
  • Vestinum
  • Nertobriga
  • Italica
  • Raetinium
  • Aelium Cetium
  • Paternum
  • Heliopolis
  • Albantium
  • Drobeta
  • Aeti
  • Lucus Augusti
  • Alcemum
  • Valeria
  • Baiae
  • Tarraconense
  • Haga-Comitis
  • Surrentum
  • Comagena
  • Metis
  • Blariacum
  • Calagurris
  • Aeddirr
  • Cracovia
  • Alde
  • Siscia
  • Pons Aelius
  • Aimelcium Magnum
  • Alcabam
  • Zama
  • Genua
  • Thapsus
  • Durocortorum
  • Alba
  • Perinthus
  • Padus
  • Autricum
  • Mediolanum Santonum
  • Ugernum
  • Albula
  • Venta Belgarum
  • Saldae
  • Albena
  • Aestina
  • Aquae Helveticae
  • Caesaraugusta
  • Liger
  • Alvernae
  • Tegianum
  • Novioritum
  • Augustianis
  • Toletum
  • Stobi
  • Alendrum
  • Augusta Raurica

Best Roman Town Names

  • Scupi
  • Castra Batavorum
  • Cortoriacum
  • Beroe Augusta Trajana
  • Alus
  • Arsinoe
  • Alcis
  • Colonia Ulpia Oescus
  • Tolosa
  • Aeflumen
  • Danuvius
  • Clupea
  • Salva
  • Galatia
  • Tigurum
  • Segusium
  • Calleva
  • Laetorium
  • Colonia Augusta Emerita
  • Tomis
  • Segusio
  • Agaspa
  • Vicentia
  • Hispania Baetica
  • Eburodunum
  • Eburacum
  • Aesclepius Vicus
  • Aurelia
  • Constantinopolis
  • Tripolis
  • Colonia Iulia Concordia Carthago
  • Luna
  • Agiza
  • Pella
  • Salonae
  • Albuneae
  • Caledonia
  • Gandava
  • Vernementum
  • Tarquinii
  • Traiectum ad Mosam
  • Andecavi
  • Zentia
  • Aequinoctium
  • Caesarea Mazaca
  • Cunetio
  • Opitergium
  • Tarentum
  • Corduba
  • Clusium
  • Anicium
  • Calceus Herculis
  • Perusia
  • Campi Catalaunii
  • Ammannius
  • Carrhae
  • Complutum
  • Durostorum
  • Heraclea Lyncestis
  • Megara Hyblaea
  • Bisanthe
  • Volaterrae
  • Montana
  • Alphiana

Imaginary Roman Town Names

  • Samnium
  • Vindolanda
  • Vindomora
  • Ad Caput Bovis
  • Coria
  • Colonia Iulia Augusta Felix Berytus
  • Agger
  • Pola
  • Clunia
  • Brivas
  • Sucidava
  • Heraclea
  • Urbisaglia
  • Autun
  • Ammar
  • Istrus
  • Cenabum
  • Istropolis
  • Arausio
  • Storgozia
  • Tisi
  • Iulia Traducta
  • Egara
  • Viroconium Cornoviorum
  • Vasio Vocontiorum
  • Aimelcium
  • Tuetis
  • Albinga
  • Treveri
  • Ambrosium
  • Albotim
  • Coriovallum
  • Asisium
  • Lacus Ligustinus
  • Alverna
  • Vinovia
  • Trimontium
  • Imperia
  • Ratea Colitanorum
  • Philippi
  • Aemona
  • Durovernum Cantiacorum
  • Caesarea
  • Aeddirum
  • Tiro
  • Obulco
  • Ratiara
  • Regium
  • Cataractonium
  • Nepet
  • Noviomagus
  • Brixellum
  • Ostia
  • Vasio
  • Tricciana
  • Glevum
  • Colonia Baelo Claudia
  • Bilbilis Italica
  • Gorsium
  • Bona
  • Ulcisia Castra
  • Lutetia Parisiorum
  • Cenebelum

Unique Roman Town Names

  • Gariannonum
  • Aquis Voconis
  • Assisium
  • Zama Regia
  • Chrysopolis
  • Rhaetia
  • Castellum
  • Dimale
  • Tupusuctu
  • Caesarodunum
  • Amaro
  • Beneventum
  • Aquae Sulis
  • Adsallum
  • Aelvum
  • Alvinianum
  • Alcius
  • Iulia Carnuntum
  • Alsa
  • Adraa
  • Ambraciae
  • Claudiopolis
  • Ad Vallis Flavii
  • Pistoria
  • Colonia Iulia Romula
  • Salpensa
  • Alitum
  • Dyrrhachium
  • Sabata
  • Garumna
  • Sarmizegethusa
  • Novodunum
  • Cillium
  • Berzobis
  • Serdica
  • Asturica
  • Isca
  • Colonia Patricia Arelate Sextanorum
  • Gades
  • Bergomum
  • Dimum
  • Comum
  • Alba Nova
  • Ioviacum
  • Castellum Flevum
  • Agripalma
  • Augustobona
  • Venta Silurum
  • Agrio
  • Volsinii
  • Iader
  • Thysdrus
  • Pavia
  • Cambodunum
  • Lincium
  • Canusium
  • Atrebatum
  • Tigava
  • Spoletium
  • Lavatrae
  • Sempronium
  • Zeugma

Thrilled Roman Town Names

  • Deva
  • Teanum
  • Valentia Edetanorum
  • Colonia Ulpia Traiana
  • Mogentianae
  • Adana
  • Pautalia
  • Drepanum
  • Camulodunum
  • Savaria
  • Siga
  • Florentia
  • Urbs Turris
  • Nicopolis
  • Vizeliacum
  • Vesontio
  • Iulia Concordia
  • Colonia Iulia Victrix Livia
  • Maronia
  • Zaragoza
  • Turicum
  • Preneste
  • Tingis
  • Forum Livii
  • Metulum
  • Potaissa
  • Moenum
  • Moridunum
  • Vitudurum
  • Dertona
  • Agius
  • Hatria
  • Ad Mediam
  • Aqua Viva
  • Nola
  • Cenabum Aureliani
  • Ammaedara
  • Carteia
  • Ptolemais
  • Zucchabar
  • Palma
  • Tyrus
  • Carales
  • Condate Redones
  • Cannae
  • Massilia
  • Sopianae
  • Rutupiae
  • Placentia
  • Salmantica
  • Scantia
  • Colonia Agrippinensium
  • Ammara
  • Albunum
  • Messambria
  • Noviomagus Batavodurum
  • Rusaddir
  • Augusta Praetoria
  • Nidum
  • Augusta Trevirorum
  • Surus

Roman Town Names

How To Choose A Good Roman Towns Name

In the vast and diverse Roman Empire, the process of naming towns was not merely a practical endeavor; it held great significance. A well-chosen name encapsulated the town’s history, culture, and aspirations, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Understanding the town’s geography and culture

To create a fitting name for a Roman town, thorough research was essential. Exploring the town’s geographical features, such as rivers, hills, or distinctive landmarks, provided inspiration for potential names. Additionally, delving into the local culture, customs, and traditions helped establish a deeper understanding of the town’s identity.

Factors to consider when naming a Roman town

When it came to naming a Roman town, several factors were taken into consideration. These included the town’s geographical features, economic activities, cultural heritage, and linguistic nuances. By carefully considering these elements, the ancient Romans aimed to create a name that would reflect the essence and identity of the town.

Influence of Latin language

Latin, as the language of the Romans, played a pivotal role in the naming of towns across the empire. Latin words were often used as a foundation, allowing for the creation of meaningful and unique names. The linguistic richness of Latin allowed for the expression of diverse concepts and attributes.

Borrowings from local languages

While Latin was prominent, the Romans also embraced the influence of local languages. By incorporating elements from the languages spoken by the inhabitants of the region, the Romans demonstrated respect for local culture and fostered a sense of inclusion and unity.

Mythological and historical references

The Romans were deeply connected to mythology and history. Town names frequently drew inspiration from mythological figures, gods, and heroes, or from historical events and prominent personalities. These references added depth and symbolism to the town’s name, evoking a sense of grandeur and identity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of 700 Roman town names offers us a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient Rome. These names not only provide valuable insights into the geographical landscape of the Roman Empire but also shed light on the linguistic and historical influences that shaped the development of these towns. From the majestic-sounding names like Augusta and Pompeii to the more humble ones like Vicus and Forum, each name tells a story of its own.

Exploring these town names deepens our appreciation for the immense reach and influence of the Roman Empire. It is evident that the Romans were meticulous in naming their towns, often drawing inspiration from their gods, emperors, local landmarks, and even everyday life. Their naming conventions highlight their religious beliefs, political affiliations, and the various conquests and colonizations that took place throughout the empire’s expansion.

Studying Roman town names is not just an academic exercise; it allows us to connect with the people who lived in these ancient settlements and understand their aspirations, dreams, and ways of life. By unraveling the meanings and origins behind these names, we gain a greater understanding of the complexities and diversity that existed within the Roman Empire. The study of these names continues to be a valuable resource for archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts alike, as it helps piece together the puzzle of our shared human past.

Related:

Roman Names