Roman Sites

This selection of slides is not representative of the range of sites, but reflects the types of sites which are easily visited and where significant traces of structures and features can still be seen. While the first contact between Romans and Britain was 55B.C. and 54B.C., led by Julius Caesar, the Roman period is considered to have lasted from the invasion by Emporer Claudius in A.D.43 until approximately A.D.446.  Most Roman towns are buried under modern towns, and are revealed in small excavations. The most visible Roman sites are those built of stone for military purposes in areas where little subsequent settlement has occurred. The slides are mainly from Hadrian's Wall and associated places.

Hadrian's Wall: Hadrian's Wall is the most prominent Roman structure visible in Britain. It runs for over 100 kms, and was largely constructed of stone. In its finished form it had small forts placed every mile, with two turrets between each milecastle. At less regular intervals were large forts which housed the main garrisons. To the south of the wall were supply depots.

A Small Turret.

A Milecastle: A milecastle, with an interior building in the foreground and the main (southern) gate beyond it.

The Milecastle Gate: The milecastle gate. It was a double gate, large enough for a wheeled vehicle to pass through. Note the massive construction of the wall.

The Western Gate at Housesteads: One of the best preserved garrison forts on the wall.

A Granary at Housesteads: The floor was raised on stone pillars to allow circulation of air and to reduce rodent infestation.

The Headquarters Building at Housesteads: Part of the headquarters building at Housesteads. The stone pillars (hypocaust) supported a stone floor. A furnace, in the foreground, provided hot air which was drawn under the floor and up through the walls of the building, thus providing a form of central heating.

Water and Waste Management Systems: Roman urban and military sites are notable for the water and wastemanagement systems. Water was brought to central storage and distribution tanks from which it was distributed in lead pipes. Conduits for the pipes can be seen in the right foreground. Some water was distributed to the latrine. Waste was removed from this area by running water. The stone troughs were for washing.

Cordbridge: To the south of the wall is the site of Corbridge. This settlement began as a supply depot to Hadrian's Wall, but later developed as a small town. The first picture shows a view down the main street, with remains of military workshops and barracks to the right. The second pisture shows a granary with raised floor. The water supply system is shown in the third picture. In the foreground is the main distribution tank, supplied by an aqueduct behind it which brought fresh water from a reliable source. The fourth picture shows the plan of part of a large courtyard building with shops or workshops fronting the street on the left. Religious activity is represented by a small temple built.

Temple: The Roman administration was tolerant of indigenous religious customs. This small temple and surrounding courtyard is built on the site of an earlier Iron Age shrine in Maiden Castle hillfort.

Roads: Roads were an important component of the military and administrative control of the Roman empire. In many places Roman roads remained important routes, and may be covered by modern roads or be incorporated into modern land boundaries. However, the road bed can still be observed in many rural locations, as in these two examples from Sussex. The first picture shows a relatively narrow road bed, while the second picture shows a broader road which becomes a field boundary in the distance. Some modern roads follow the course of Roman roads, and in some cases the Roman traffic regulations still seem to be in effect!