Britannia 21

Presents a numerical analysis of inscriptions on buildings erected for community use (sacred buildings and altars, statues, civic buildings, entertainment places, milestones, etc): seventy-eight in all. Also examined are benefactors (seventy-nine in total) and beneficiaries (ninety-nine). Britain was holding its own against Germany and Gaul in this respect, and the exercise reveals useful information about RB society.

Earlier uncertainties have been resolved by dating evidence recovered in advance of destruction. In particular the 3rd century urban decline, when large areas were turned over to crops, is mirrored in the late 3rd century demolition of the basilica nave and aisles, suggesting the redundancy of its centralized functions. At this time the Severan division of the province into four suggests a decline in Britannia's status. The new chronology suggested for the basilica is: constructed 100-130; reconstructed mid-2nd; fire and late 2nd century reconstruction; early 3rd, neglect and refurbishment; final occupation, late 3rd; superstructure demolished in late 3rd early 4th; 9th-13th century reoccupation and robbing. The 2nd century basilica was clearly overambitious for London's economy.

Contra Jones & Casey (89/446) documents cannot be adjusted on the basis of putative scribal error. We have to live with the documents as they are: the chronology of the Gallic Chronicle of 452 has always been confused and we cannot mend it. An appendix sets out the events and their dates as derived from independent sources.

The only certain inscription of the Tetrarchy is reinterpreted on the basis that bal. . . should be restored as ballistarium (not balneum), defined as a magazine and workshop for tonnenta. (See also 90/572.) The inscription would thus indicate continued use of tormenta on the Wall into 4th century.

Discusses textual evidence from Caesar onwards.

Fresh study suggests that the Roman army in the Gloucester area was not dependent on Severn Valley wares in the Claudio-Neronian/early Flavian period; the ware may have originated earlier than thought, in a wheelmade pre-Conquest Iron Age tradition; and a distinctive early phase is recognized on 1st century sites in the central Severn Valley. Kiln sites should be sought in the territory of the Dobunni.

The forfex mentioned in Chrauttius's letter (see 91/493) could be one of several veterinary instruments: shears for clipping the mane, forceps for a variety of purposes, surgical shears, or an emasculator.

Full discussion of the type, with map and list of British and Irish finds.

Further redevelopment at the site has uncovered new evidence that this is, indeed, a military site; multiple ditches, box-rampart, etc were observed. There appear to be two military sites on different alignments and of different sizes. A cremation burial was recovered, others were lost, and metal detectorists had done much damage.

Review article on B Cunliffe (ed), The temple of Sulis Minerva at Bath, vol 2, The finds from the sacred spring, concentrating on detailed comment on the lead tablets and the coins. In particular David Walker's procedures in examining the coins, as applying to the division of the material by period of issue and to the special character of the sacred spring deposit, are assessed in great detail, and his conclusions about the provision of aes coinage to Britain found to be not entirely persuasive.

Review-article on M Fulford, The Silchester amphitheatre: excavations of 1979-85 (1989): see 89/1429. The work is prompt, 'well produced and beautifully illustrated'; some points of detail are made relating to the terraces, the pond, the E and W recesses, circular-plan amphitheatres, and the possible performance of myth-plays.