- The Vicus, (Plural: vici), was an unplanned Roman settlement that grew up beside small legionary Forts.
- There was no town council and law and order was maintained by the Fort itself.
Description
- Unplanned settlements that grew up beside Legionary Fortresses, such as York, were called Canabae.
- The Vicus and Canabae were distinct from planned towns which were called Civitates.
- Originally the vicus was ruled by the commander of the adjacent Roman fort.
Etymology
- The word vicus continues in town Place Names such as:
- English Place names:
- Wych, Wyke, Wic, Wick, Wich
- Dutch Place names:
- Wijk
- German Place names:
- Wih, Weich, Wik, Wic
- English Place names:
Roman Cities by status