Britannia 28

An exploration of the extent to which the provincial enclosure associated with the cult of the Emperor Claudius at Colchester can be compared to the standard picture of similar centres elsewhere. Though based on scant documentary evidence, there is an increased understanding of the site's archaeology.

Reports a sample area test by excavation in advance of building work at Rye House and a watching brief during pipeline work along Wall Lane which gave an extensive lateral view of developments immediately beyond the northern section of the town wall, both during 1988. The 1991 excavation at the site of the North Gate is detailed, providing a natural introduction to the wider extramural area to the north and an indication of the intensity of use and relative importance of the route. This is followed by details of three observations made of the northern section of the town wall in 1992--93. There are specialist reports on: `The coins' George C Boon (109 & 111); `Objects of bone' by Steven Allen (111--12); `Objects of iron' by David Richards (112--14); `Objects of stone' by J R L Allen & Michael Fulford (114--15); `Prehistoric flint' by Tess Durden (115); `The glass' by Denise Allen (115--18); The pottery and building materials are followed by `The stone' by J R L Allen & M G Fulford (128); `The human bone' by Janet Firth & Michael Fulford (129--31); `The animal bones' by Sheila Hamilton-Dyer (131--5); `The oysters' by Elizabeth Somerville (135--9); `Rye House bungalow 1988' by Steve Ford, Michael Fulford & Malcolm Reid (145--7); `The glass' by Denise Allen (147); `Objects of iron' by David Richards (147); `Slag' by David Richards (147); The pottery and Roman tile are also detailed. Evidence from the water-main watching brief is then recorded, including details of the pottery.

An appraisal of the nature of RB tombstones (less common in Britain than elsewhere in the Empire), and their use of epigraphy and figurative representation (including portrait and `totenmahl' designs). It is concluded that the images used and information transmitted tended to invert, rather than reflect, reality.

A discussion of work prompted predominantly by the 1982 identification of possible medieval--early modern water-driven mill complex remains in the vicinity of the Roman workings. Excavations in 1991--93 were located to the north of the presumed mill site in the belief that any processing waste would be apparent in a post-Norman context. Dating of the processing wastes raises questions about the assumed date of the mill complex and about assumptions that cam-driven trip-hammer mill technology was unknown in the Roman period. Ore stamp evidence and Iberian parallels are cited in support.

A note describing the site (at Wall, Staffordshire) and the factors which may have influenced its choice as such a site. Summarises the evidence for early occupation which is scattered over a number of publications.

Details parallel examples and speculates a central British point of origin for those deemed similar. Also, there is thought to be a possible official purpose, linking the seals with the capital of the Gallic prefecture, Trier.