B12

London is one of the great cities of the world, and there is evidence that people lived in the area in prehistoric times. However, the history of

HISTORY

B13

the city really began with the arrival of the Romans in 43 AD.

ARRIVE

B14

They built a wooden bridge over the River Thames. This bridge was very useful and soon the city of Londinium (as it was called) grew around it.

USE

B15

The city played an important role in the economic life of the country, as it does today.

ECONOMY

B16

The growth of London since then has been incredible, and the modern city is home to about 7.5 million

GROW

B17

inhabitants. From small beginnings nearly two thousand years ago,

INHABIT

B18

London has become a place of global importance.

GLOBE