Britannia 8

An initial, superficial occupation (Period I, c AD 43) of the site probably reflects a Roman military base of the Conquest period. The first formal layout (Period II, c 44-50) was almost certainly military. A large scale Claudian redevelopment (III, c 50-60) represents the beginning of the civilian town which set the permanent street pattern for the E half of the city; these buildings were destroyed by the Boudican fire of AD 60. In Period IV, c 60-90, a major public building ('proto-forum') covered about 1½ acres; nearby was a bakehouse. Redevelopment took place c 90-100 (Period V) for the largest forum-basilica complex in Britain (7½ acres). Coins, samian and coarse pottery are catalogued. Au(adp).

SY 238909. First century AD occupation in the Iron Age tradition was followed by Roman buiidings which included two parallel long timber structures, a large free-standing bath house and a probable barn. The site is interpreted as a villa complex of 2nd to 4th centuries. Pottery (mostly black-burnished 1) and small finds are catalogued. Au(adp)

Since 1949 cropmarks of a large, rectangular ditched enclosure have been repeatedly photographed from the air, finally revealing the rounded NE angle of a Roman fort. Within, the principia, various portae and the praetentura have also been identified. The fort abutted on the Belgic earthworks, and was probably constructed in AD 43 at the capture of Colchester, because of the political importance of the sanctuary at nearby Cheshunt Field. A T

These beads were covered in gold (or silver) foil, then dipped into molten glass. During the Roman period they are found in Egypt and S Russia in some quantity, but are unknown in Italy, Spain, Gaul and Germany before the 4th century; in Britain, examples dating from the later 2nd-4th centuries probably came from the Euxine via Sarmatian soldiers. During the 4th century similar beads appear along the Rhine and Upper Danube, and in the Migration Period they were manufactured in NW continental Europe while production continued in the East. In Britain poor quality examples are common in late 5th and 6th century cemeteries, with a few examples in a Viking context. Quantitative spectral analysis of three gold beads was undertaken. A T

[SU 1985.] Rescue excavations were conducted on the W side of the site, and various streets were uncovered or observed. Aerial surveys on the E side revealed a large courtyard building, and ground survey recovered a detailed plan. An area of parched grass to the SW probably indicates a large bath house complex (not surveyed). The courtyard building is almost certianly a mansio. The conjectured grid-system containing it indicates a town of (eventually) 25ha. A T

The bricks are of two fabric types, one of which possibly originated at or near Boulogne and the other probably in the Fairlight Clay of the Hastings Beds. From plant-impressions in the British-made bricks it appears that open ground predominated with some land in corn-production. Export of bricks to Boulogne was considerable, but fewer seem to have been imported thence into Britain. While stamped bricks appear to date between early 2nd and mid-3rd century, unstamped examples could be much earlier, with a Wealden factory possibly established by end 1st century. While Richborough is a doubtful site, an early Classis base almost certainly existed at Dover, and others possibly at Pevensey and Lympne. A T

Another new reading is suggested for RIB 902. Ateco was possibly a trader in wine between Gaul and Lower Britain who gained citizenship under the Constitutio Antoniniana, and who lived in a civil settlement attached to the fort of Old Carlisle. A T

A graffito on a Romano-British cinerary urn from Amerden includes in Greek capitals the word mulophysicus, a term otherwise unparalleled and likely to be a Latin-Greek compound word describing the profession of mule veterinary physician. A T

Argues that Stevens misinterpreted the literary authorities concerning the chronology of this quinquennium. The dating of the great invasion of Gaul by Vandals, Alans and Suevi and of connected events is placed as beginning at the very end of 406; and the activities of Constantine on the continent are examined. The invasion of Britain by the Saxons, dated to 408, seems to have sparked off the British rebellion of 409 against Roman rule which spread to Armorica. In both countries the Bacaudae were possibly responsible for the rebellions, but in Britain, uniquely, the fighting was also aimed (successfully) at defeating the invader. It is possible that the urban population begged Honorius for help against the Bacaudae and that the 'tyrants' mentioned by Procoplus ruled after the Bacaudae; by 429 the military spirit had disappeared in Britain. AT

The meagre archaeological evidence for British viticulture is cited and discussed. In most cases the evidence is inconclusive, but it is possible that at Boxmoor, and particularly at Gloucester, vines were cultivated. A T

TQ 444319. Main results are summarized. Slight occupation occurred in Neo/Bronze Age. During the late pre-Roman Iron Age a hillfort was constructed, of short duration. Various structures of late 1st century AD were discovered together with evidence of iron smelting and working. During the 2nd century a timber building and an adjoining bath house were constructed, but fell into disuse in late 2nd or early 3rd century. Finds of pottery and other items are summarized and future work is discussed. A T