Images show how Colchester would have looked in Roman times

Concept designer Joseph Chittenden has produced a computer-generated 3D model of how the city would have appeared to Colchestrians back in AD49.

During Roman times Colchester was known as Camulodunum – The Fortress of the War God Camulos – and was the capital of Roman Britain.

The model shows where key sites across Colchester would have been including a Basilica, temple and theatre. 

Mr Chittenden’s work shows key events during the Roman period including the attack by Boudica and her 120,000 followers.

During Roman times Colchester was known as Camulodunum. Picture: Joseph Chittenden

He has now produced a tourist guide book with each site or event having a modern day map.

He said: “I noticed that apart from Phillip Crummy’s City of Victory book, there wasn’t many books which showed what Roman Colchester actually looked like.

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“I thought I could use my 3D software to produce a fully computer generated model to show the whole of Roman Colchester.

“The model was built with hundreds of buildings, thousands of people, trees and special effects such as fire were also added.

The model shows where key sites across Colchester would have been. Picture: Joseph Chittenden

“I wanted the reader to have a drone’s eye view of key events and sites of Colchester.

“One of the ones that had to be included was the attack by Boudica and her 120,000 warriors. This image involved showing all the warriors and the huge fires.”

Mr Chittenden’s day job involves him creating visuals for new products and he has worked for the likes of Lotus and Honda.

He used his skills to create the model and consulted with the Colchester Archaeological Trust.

It also shows the attack by Boudica and her 120,000 followers. Picture: Joseph Chittenden

“Once the images were produced, I started work on designing a small tourist guide with each site or event having a modern day map to help the reader locate everything as simply as possible,” he added.

“The book was designed to be a pocket guide to use as you walk through the town centre.”

The book is available at various locations in Colchester including the Red Lion Bookshop, Roman Circus Centre, Visitor Information Centre and Firstsite.

To find out more about Mr Chittenden’s work visit www.jc3dvis.co.uk.