Camulodunum
/ˌkæmjʊləˈduːnəm/noun
The ancient Roman name for modern Colchester in Britain.
Did you know?The second element, -dūnon, is a common Celtic word for a fort or stronghold, while the first element is usually linked to Camulos, a Celtic deity whose name carried martial force.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Roman Celtic
Brittonic
Camulodūnon
“likely 'fort of Camulos' or 'Camulos's fort'”
1st Century
Latin
Camulodunum
“Latinized form of the Brittonic place name used by Roman writers”
1st Century
Roman Britain
Camulodunum
“Roman settlement and military center in Britain”
Later Medieval
English
Colchester
“Modern name that replaced the ancient Roman place name”