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The Lunt fort from the air with the circular Gyrus clearly visible © Mick Aston
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Introduction
Excavated during the 1960s and 70s The Lunt near Coventry offers us an intriguing look at a Roman fort built to an unusual design. Whereas most Roman forts follow a predictable standard 'playing card' shape The Lunt follows an organic outline which incorporates a Gyrus, or equine area.
Archaeology
The first phase of building The Lunt fort was started in the mid-60s AD following the Boudiccan uprising. Interesting finds from the archaeological work include a piece of Roman chain mail made from wire rings looped through solid metal 'washers'. The most unusual discovery, however, was the Gyrus. This circular structure on the eastern side of the fort has been interpreted as a horse training area and has led some archaeologists, such as the cavalry experts Karen Dixon and Pat Southern, to suggest that The Lunt may have been a central horse training depot where horses were brought up to scratch before they were supplied to the legions. The site today has impressive reconstructed defences and regularly holds re-enactment days.
Extra info
The Lunt OS grid ref: SP3475.
Contact Coventry Museums Service c/o Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP Tel: 024 7683 2565 for further information.
External wall of the Roman fort at Richborough © Ancient Art & Architecture Collection
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Introduction
Often referred to as the 'Gateway to Britannia', Richborough is thought to have been the main area of the Roman beachhead when the invasion landed in AD 43, the jumping-off point for the initial battles of the campaign.
Archaeology
Dominating the centre of Richborough Roman fort is the base for a colossal marble triumphal arch built to welcome visitors from the continent and symbolise the entrance to Britain and the start of the road to London. During the Roman period Richborough was a thriving port and supply base and the fort became a hub of activity. The site itself was frequently remodelled and refortified. It acquired impressive high walls during its phase as a Fort of the Saxon Shore, a chain of defences used to deter Saxon invaders near the end of the Roman period. The extremely well-defined geometric triple ditches belong to a third century phase of defence. The site is also often associated with early Christian activity in Britain.
Extra info
Richborough OS grid ref: TR3260.
The site is under the care of English Heritage.
Look at www.english-heritage.org.uk for further information.
Entrance to the mines at Dolaucothi © National Trust Photographic Library/Andrew Butler/Bridgeman Art Library
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Introduction
Dolaucothi is a rare example of a Roman gold mine in the UK. This precious resource, which was known to the local population for generations, was tapped by the Romans who used an ingenious system of engineering to enable them to fully exploit the rich veins for the duration of their occupation.
Archaeology
The Romans used slave labour to extract the raw gold by digging and chipping away the rock both open cast and underground, and then grinding the spoil. This was then washed through a system of beds and panned to remove the flakes of precious metal. The mines today reveal traces of water tanks and reservoirs relating to the Roman use of the site and there is also some interpretation on how a magnificent system of waterwheels were used to lift flood water out of the mine to the surface. These fascinating mines are open to the public via guided tours (wear tough footwear and allow at least an hour for the tour).
Extra info
Dolaucothi OS grid ref: SN6640.
The gold mines are in the care of the National Trust. Call 01558 650 177 for further information or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Roman town of Viroconium, Wroxeter. 120-150 AD © John P.Stevens/Ancient Art & Architecture Collection
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Introduction
This bustling Roman town is commonly known as the fourth largest settlement in Roman Britain. Starting out as a legionary fortress in the mid first century, possibly garrisoned by the XIV Legion then the XX Legion, the area later developed into a civitas capital of the native Cornovii people.
Archaeology
By the time Wroxeter was fully established as a regional capital it was known to the Romans as Viroconium Cornoviorum. The town expanded with all the usual trappings of a classical Roman settlement; the forum basilica, streets of shops and the inevitable bath house. The relative lack of development in Wroxeter has meant that much of the Roman material has survived, making the town a favourite among archaeologists. Excavations have found that the most prosperous time for the settlement was between the second and third centuries. The massive structural remains of the bath-house and exercise yard still stand testament to what must have been a most successful economic centre for the region. However, these times also required the fortification of the town and it appears that by the fourth century the area was starting to decline.
Extra info
Wroxeter OS grid ref: SJ5608.
Many of the Roman features of Wroxeter are under the care of English Heritage. Look at www.english-heritage.org.uk for further information.
Introduction
Originally the site of an invasion-period supply depot, Fishbourne became one of the largest country houses in Britain, a palace of such grandiose style that it was fit for a local Romanised king.
Archaeology
Discovered by workmen in 1960, a series of excavations then uncovered a vast villa complex built to the highest standards and boasting the finest mosaics. This first-century home was expanded into a sumptuous example of high-status Roman living. Evidence has been found for both intricate plaster work and imported masonry. Many of the rooms were brightly painted and large areas of the floor were heated. Visitors entered through an elaborate hallway which opened onto a double garden court surrounded by wings of buildings for administration, servants, guests, bathing and even a large hall possibly used as an audience chamber. It has been speculated that this was the home of a Romanised client king, probably a character called Cogidubnus who may have been related to the local Atrebates peoples. The owner was obviously extremely rich and influential and their collection of some 20 different mosaics highlights this fact to us today as much as it must have done to visitors nearly 2,000 years ago. A great deal of research has been done on the site into the formal gardens and many examples of ancient herbs, shrubs and flowers have been replanted in the geometric Roman beds. Well worth a visit.
Extra info
Fishbourne OS grid ref: SU8304.
Check out www.sussexpast.co.uk or call 01243 785 859 for further information.
Introduction
Known to the Romans as Banna, Birdoswald is an interesting example of a frontier fort which holds a dominant position within a stunning landscape. Built high above the River Irthing, a succession of excavations have shown how this clever defensive site developed over some 300 years.
Archaeology
Roughly half-way between Carlisle and Hexham a natural finger of rock creates an almost unassailable cliff with a frightening drop to the river valley in the south. This spur became home to one of the best-preserved forts on Hadrian's Wall; Birdoswald. The first stages of Hadrian's Wall were built out of turfs around AD120. There then followed the digging of what's called a vallum; a large ditch set back behind the wall. It's at this stage that the first fort was founded at Birdoswald, constructed of earthworks and timber. In a later rebuild buildings were reconstructed in stone and it's the foundations of these walls that can be seen today. The site has an excellent visitor centre.
Extra info
Birdoswald OS grid ref: NY6166.
See www.birdoswaldromanfort.org.uk or call 016977 47602 for further information.
The soldiers' latrines at Housesteads on Hadrian's Wall © Mick Aston
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Introduction
The auxiliary fort of Housesteads on Hadrian's Wall was at one point manned by soldiers recruited from Holland and Belgium. The site boasts some of the most impressive granaries in the country and was used to supply the fort and surrounding outposts.
Archaeology
Built around AD 122 and in use up until the Roman withdrawal in the 5th century, Housesteads fort (known to the Romans as Vercovicium) enjoys a sheltered position approximately in the centre of the 76-mile-long Hadrian's Wall. The long north wall of the fort is an integral part of the Wall with the main body of the fort lying to the south behind the line. Excavation and reconstitution of the remains has left several main parts of the fort exposed for visitors to see. The commander's house, headquarters building, barracks and granaries are all visible together with a large structure identified as a military hospital. The granary block is particularly worth a look as it clearly shows the hypocaust-like piles used to suspend the floor above the ground to keep the grain store fresh and dry. A well-preserved set of latrines is also a highlight. A series of earthworks surround the fort and be easily made out, especially to the south and west, indicating where an associated settlement had grown up, supporting itself from the economy of the garrison.
Extra info
Housesteads OS grid ref: NY7868.
There is a small shop and information centre at the Housesteads car park. The site is looked after by both the National Trust and English Heritage. Look at www.english-heritage.org.uk or www.nationaltrust.org.uk for further information.
Roman temple to Mithras, close to Proclita Fort along Hadrian's Wall © Mick Aston
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Introduction
Carrawburgh fort was a relatively late addition to the defences of Hadrian's Wall. In addition to being a fort it was also the site of religious activity and several deities were worshipped here. Little can be seen today of the fort itself.
Archaeology
Carrawburgh fort was constructed after Hadrian's Wall had been completed. Excavations in the 18th, 19th and 20th century have highlighted a number of inscriptions and dedications associated with the various garrisons who manned the base. By far the most exciting elements of this site are the religious finds. A number of inscriptions and altar stones were found here relating to a water goddess called Coventina, dedications set up by different cohorts to fulfil their vows. A large number of coins were also discovered in an associated sacred well. By far the most dramatic find was a subterranean Mithraic temple outside the fort by the south-western corner. When excavated this chamber still held three altar stones to the god Mithras upright and in-situ at one end. The temple is open to the public and replica altars stand in their place today.
Extra info
Carrawburgh OS grid ref: NY8571.
The original altar stones from the Mithraic temple together with a complete reconstruction can be seen at Newcastle-upon-Tyne Museum of Antiquities. Look at museums.ncl.ac.uk/archive/ or call 0191 222 7846 for further information.
Porchester fort © Ronald Sheridan@Ancient Art & Architecture Collection
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Introduction
The massive Roman remains at Portchester have survived for so long because of the important strategic position of the fort which itself has been in continued use right through the medieval period.
Archaeology
Portchester fort belonged to a chain of eleven coastal supply bases and defensive sites running from Portchester to Brancaster in Norfolk, commonly known as the Forts of the Saxon Shore. Portchester was built in the late third century, probably around AD280. The colossal walls, up to nearly 4 metres thick, create an almost perfectly square plan with towers on each corner. Four additional bastion towers were also originally placed along each wall for further defence, with the ability to cover each other with protective fire. Erosion and robbing of stone have removed some of the towers but fourteen still remain. The medieval activity in the fort led to many changes, some of which can be seen in the fabric of the walls where they were robbed of stone or rebuilt. Because of the continued medieval use and development of the site excavation has found limited evidence, but enough has been discovered to identify several phases of concentrated activity during the late third and early fourth centuries; a troubled time for Britannia.
Extra info
Portchester OS grid ref: SU6204.
The site is looked after by English Heritage. Look at www.english-heritage.org.uk for further information or call 02392 378291.
The impressive Iron Age ramparts of Maiden Castle © English Heritage Photo Library
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Introduction
An inspiring example of Iron-Age defensive earthworks, Maiden Castle presents the visitor with a breathtaking array of huge banks and ditches. Once a stronghold and centre of power for the Durotriges people, this hillfort was the site of fierce fighting during the Roman invasion.
Archaeology
With its amazing network of banks and ditches culminating in a complicated maze of an entrance, Maiden Castle cannot fail to impress, even more so when you realise the scale of the site (some 47 acres are enclosed). The first impression the invading II Legion Augusta would have had was one of a timber palisade atop the huge six-metre-high banks. The prospect of defeating this imposing fortress would have suited the Romans much more than running skirmishes in the countryside. Here they could set up a siege and bombard their captive enemy from without. Excavations have found evidence of fighting on the human remains dug up from within the hillfort; skulls punctured by ballista bolts and even a famous burial which still held a projectile between its vertebra. A cache of slingshot pebbles stored by the defenders was also uncovered. After the fighting the hillfort was left deserted for many years as the population became centred on Dorchester. A Roman temple was built on a part of the site in the 4th century.
Extra info
Maiden Castle OS grid ref: SY6688.
The site is free to visit and is looked after by English Heritage. Look at www.english-heritage.org.uk for further information.
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In AD 60 life was getting more and more harsh for the Iceni. 
