Amazing images of London show the city's evolution over nearly 2,000 years

Like all living things, cities have lifespans. 

London started as a small Roman settlement along the Thames River. But today, more than 8.6 million people call the place home.

Here are 18 maps, paintings, and old-time photographs that show the journey of the British capital.

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The Romans founded Londinium (now called London) in 43 AD. This artist's illustration of Londinium in 200 AD shows the city's first bridge over the Thames River.

Westminster Abbey, founded in the 10th century, is a World Heritage Site and one of London's oldest and most important buildings. Here it is in a 1749 painting.

William, Duke of Normandy, was crowned King of England there on Christmas Day, 1066 — just after it was completed.

By the 11th century, London had the largest port in England.