From its foundation by the Romans in the middle of the first century and its revival under Alfred the Great in the late ninth century, London grew and flourished. It prospered as a trading city, as well as the center of government and the foremost economic and cultural force within Britain. It also developed a global influence as the capital of a worldwide empire and one of the world s leading cities. Yet its history was punctuated by devastating epidemics and fires, periods of depression as well as prosperity and dramatic political events. This concise history, illustrated with over 70 color pictures, traces the fascinating and sometimes turbulent history of Britain's greatest city."