Vicus

In Roman times, the smallest division of housing, roughly equivalent to a village or to a suburb. As a village, the vicus would be administered by magistri or aediles elected by the villagers. In military areas, such as along Hadrian's Wall, civilian vici often grew up next to military forts. It would consist of houses used by the families of troops, the shops, inns, civilian workshops, etc. outside a Roman fort or encampment.

In Roman rural and urban organization, the smallest division of housing, and roughly equivalent, therefore, either to a village or to a suburb. As a village, the vicus would be administered by magistri or aediles elected by the villagers. An urban vicus would come under the municipal authorities of the town, with their own representatives — vicomagistri at Rome. In military areas, such as along Hadrian’S Wall, civilian vici often grew up next to military forts.