Britannia 16

Offers a series of maps indicating which forts were occupied at 11 periods between AD 75 and the Notitia Dignitatum. Dispositions were based on the two main roads north with certain cross-routes also important; good agricultural land was also a factor. Neither 'defence in depth' nor native intransigence appear significant.

Difficulties of detecting turrets leads to renewed study of distance slabs and a calculation of wall lengths allocated to individual legionary parties as a clue to possible turret positions.

Analysis of ditch material, especially turf blocks, indicates a moderately open country already when the (Agricolan) fort was built. Discussed in relation to other pollen profiles, eg Bar Hill.

Main building, never completed, of official or (less likely) wealthy private class: ?mansio for Bristol Channel crossing, starting at end of 3rd century (?Carausius/Allectus). Specialist reports.

First full publication of the most complete single surviving set known; roundels with pendants, buckles, etc; reconstruction essayed and ownership (?officer under Pliny the Elder) discussed. Mid-1st century AD, lost in 69/70? Were phalerae dona or marks of rank? Report on atomic absorption analysis.

Investigation of landslips in relation to the Roman fort included resistivity survey, expliratory trenches, and geomorphological study. In-situ timber piles allow plotting of the original position of the N wall of the fort, a reconstructed plan is presented, and the successive land movements traced with tentative dates.

New reading substitutes 'superintendent of the cult' for the 'officer of the fleet' previously deduced; the second person named is 'interpreter of dreams' for the Lydney cult.