Britannia 17

A critical review of the available evidence for barracks and equipment, in Britain and elsewhere, suggests that there is no archaeological means of distinguishing a legionary from an auxiliary garrison in the campaigning years of the 1st century AD; there is therefore little justification in arguing for the fragmentation of the legions, a process for which there is no other evidence.

Presents direct evidence that the Level was drained, and presumably also embanked, during the Roman period. Detailed mapping of the channels on the foreshore and mud cliff at Rumney Great Wharf, and examination of occupation material including pottery, together with an iron-smelting site, indicates Roman use. Moreover the reens/rhynes defining rectangular fields on the Level behind the foreshore belong to a single system of the same, RB, period. The evidence confirms that there was no late RB marine transgression on the Levels. Aerial and field reconnaissance across the Severn in Somerset is providing similar indications of wetland reclamation.

Traces the shifts in taste and changes in the types of stone used through a study of 212 fragments of inlays, slabs, and cornices. They range from Purbeck marble through French and Italian stones to Aegean island marbles, and were put to a variety of uses including veneers and opus sectile. Their import began as early as last quarter of 1st century.

Pieces from Rhayader, Southfleet, Ashtead, and Birdoswald (bracelet, pendants, etc) have rare features which suggest the same workshop, probably within Britain, for all.

Because of depradations by treasure hunters, the summit was totally excavated to reveal a Romano-Celtic temple of late 3rd century, in use into early 5th, square with two annexes and a sunken room. Finds included many votive objects. Probably of later date than the temple were a small building to the north and a cemetery of at least 16 burials aligned E-W with heads to west. Au (abr)

Discussion of a large fragment of hollow bronze statuary, found near three ritual shafts, in terms of known equestrian statues from various parts of the Empire. Was the fragment a relic of a Claudian statue looted from Camulodunum? W A Oddy & P T Craddock made a scientific examination which indicates an alloy similar to that of the head of Claudius from the Alde.

At Winnall in the Roman town cemetery a plaster-packed burial of a female in a timber and lead coffin had been inserted into an elaborate burial monument. The skull condition suggested embalming. The cemetery area is significant for its cist burials and tile packings.

Two defixiones from the Bath temple assist the identification of the caracalla as the everyday male cape of the northern provinces, distinct from the byrrus and the official paenula.

Brief reports on new discoveries (sites and finds, and inscriptions).