Britannia 29

Uses material from the Cotswolds (focussing around Cirencester and Gloucester) to explore possible reasons for the proliferation of RB religious iconography whose characteristics cannot be sourced to Classical imagery or IA antecedents. A greater influence from Gaul may be the answer.

Excavation in advance of residential development revealed that all periods from the Late Iron Age to the Early Saxon were represented in a dense and complex set of features and deposits across the area. This paper presents the objectives, methodologies and preliminary results of the fieldwork, followed by a discussion of the significance of these findings and of the perceived potential of the project as a whole for further research into lower order Roman settlement studies in Britain (this is based upon the initial insights into the data-collection facilitated by the production of the MAP2 Assessment report and Updated Project Design).

Reports excavations at two highland zone sites in Gwynedd, producing new evidence for rural settlement in this environment during the RB period. At Bryn Eryr this activity was the culmination of a long sequence of IA development and similarly at Bush Farm the RB phase succeeded an earlier, probably late prehistoric, occupation. At both locations significant structural changes occurred during the RB period as small stone houses replaced larger clay-walled buildings. Changes in the local farming economy have been identified and the proximity of the vicus at Segontium provided access to Roman pottery vessels. The quantity and range of pottery from Bryn Eryr and Bush Farm are considerable in comparison with other highland zone settlements and the material is discussed in detail. The IA sequence at Bryn Eryr will be published separately. Specialist reports, including those that are separately authored, comprise the following: The prehistoric pottery report includes a `Typological comment' by Frances Lynch (204--6), and `Petrological analysis' by D A Jenkins & J Williams (206); The Roman pottery section is followed by `Glass' by Julian Henderson (227); copper-alloy, lead, and baked clay objects; `Flint and chert artefacts' by George Smith (229--32); stone artefacts including a `Catalogue of rotary querns from Bryn Eryr' by D Hopewell (234); radiocarbon determinations; `Pollen analysis of samples from Bush Farm and a nearby shallow valley mire at Bodandreg' by F M Chambers, J G A Lageard & I C Wilshaw (240--2); and `Carbonized seeds from Bush Farm' by J Ede (242).

Presents an understanding of this historical episode as vital to the study of the end of Roman Britain.

Presents further arguments in support of the thesis that the epitome of Cassius Dio's history can be used to argue that Aulus Plautius' army did not land at Richborough in AD43, but further west, possibly at Chichester (see 90/574).

One coin from the recent discovery at Alton (Hants) of two hoards containing 256 gold IA staters indicates that the ruler of the Atrebates previously thought to be named Tincommius, was in fact called Tincomarus.

Reports a stone found in 1997, the most Romanized sculpture found in this area to date.

First identified as a cropmark in aerial reconnaissance during 1995, then subsequently as cropmark and soil mark in 1996, a trench was opened across the south-western ditch in September 1996. Sparse evidence of any kind was recovered, although the cropmark plan, and perhaps its vantage point, indicates the site is a Roman Camp.

Considers London's status as provincial capital, arguing that at times when the lowland zone of England was unified, London was necessarily elevated to central status by virtue of its geographic location if nothing else.

Aerial reconnaissance work since 1987 has identified three groups of sites: thirteen camps close to Chester; a fortlet overlooking the Mersey at Ince; and a Roman camp at Manley.

Inscriptions from Risingham (Habitancum) and Corbridge reveal the name of the commander and the outpost zone itself.

Presents sites explored in Wales, Scotland, and England by county/area and inscriptions from both monumental and domestic categories.