Roads and artifacts unearthed in the UK could redefine the Roman era
The “most impressive” archaeological site studied by scientists in Britain could “change” the perception of ancient Roman times. A team of about 80 people have excavated in Northamptonshire over the past year, discovering a road, junctions, glass vessels, pottery and jewelry.
One of the “most impressive” archaeological sites, spanning different periods of time, was discovered in Northamptonshire and may “change our understanding” of the Roman landscape, scientists do not hide their admiration for the finds.
The site, named Blackgrounds after the soil found in the area, has been known since the 18th century, Sky News reports, but officials said the “high-quality finds” and scale exceeded expectations.
A group of about 80 archaeologists excavated near Chipping Warden last year and discovered an ancient settlement of 30 circular houses.
An “exceptional” road 10 meters wide runs through this place, which shows how the area would be occupied by carts with goods.
Excavation data show that the settlement continued to expand and become more prosperous during the Roman period, when new stone buildings and roads were built.
Archaeologists believe that people probably continued to live on the site during the Roman era and adopted new construction methods.
More than 300 Roman coins have been unearthed during the excavation, although it is believed that the settlement’s wealth was likely based on trade from both the nearby Cherwell River and the road.
The finds also included glass vessels, highly decorative ceramics, jewelry, and a substance used for makeup.
The archaeological team also found half a set of shackles, which they say may be indicative of criminal activity or slave labor.
The site plan indicates that the settlement was divided into different parts, and there was evidence of workshops, ovens and several “perfectly preserved wells.”
In one part of the Blackground, the ground was fiery red, indicating activities associated with burning, such as baking bread or pottery.
“This is by far one of the most impressive sites that MOLA Headland Infrastructure (a consortium of two of the UK’s largest and most successful archaeological companies, MK) has discovered during its development,” said James West, website manager for MOLA. “The discovery of such a well-preserved and large Roman road, as well as the many high-quality finds, is of extraordinary importance and tells us a lot about the people who lived here. This place can truly change our understanding of the Roman landscape in the region and beyond. “
“As we approach the completion of our archaeological fieldwork between London and Birmingham, we have made several unprecedented discoveries that we will continue to share with the people who live near our work,” says archaeologist Mike Court. Excavations at Blackgrounds will give scientists a deeper understanding of what life was like in the Iron Age and in the Roman era, he said.
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