The Roman presence in Britain dates back to the early first century AD, and there are numerous Roman forts and settlements throughout the country. However, the connection to historical nuances seems to unveil itself through unique artifacts that are part of Roman history in Britain.
Archaeological investigations have revealed a significant site at a mile from the modern-day Catterick village in North Yorkshire, England. Dating to around 70 AD, this Roman fort and settlement were discovered when the A1 road was being widened, where the ancient “Dere Street” route crossed the River Swale. In 2018, archaeologists completed their study of the site and logged over 62,000 objects, many of which were described as “rare and exotic items imported from the Mediterranean and North Africa.”
A recent government article about the site suggests that the treasures found included a carved phallus on a reused bird-shaped stone, incense burners, and a carved lion, which would have been set into a ring. Additionally, predictions of a hare, and an Anglo-Saxon dog burial with a perforated bone likely used as a pendant, were also discovered. The site’s most intriguing aspect was a nearly complete Roman bird brooch found among the remains.
The Catterick bypass roadwork in the 1950s excavated underground chambers beneath a burnt-out broch tower, revealing a cobble-and-clay wall enclosure and a range of other artifacts. Archaeologists have argued that the circular Bronze Age enclosure was adapted to support a 4th-century AD settlement, evidenced by “232 burials and 17 cremations, used from the late 1st century AD through to the mid-5th century AD.”
Dr. Jonathan Shipley, a principal heritage consultant at AECOM, explained that recent excavations intentionally restricted the 300-meter trench’s size to minimize disturbance to burials. These digs have provided insights into commercial events fit for a feast, a range of opulent stone buildings, and a range of opulent opus signinum floors, all located along the main road. Shipley stated that the site appeared to have been a “population hub – a man and woman with three children,” with one person having “a stack of nine coins in their mouth.”
In conclusion, Catterick’s archaeological findings are a window into everyday life in a Northern support hub from the mid-3rd century until the collapse of the Empire in Britain 200 years later. The excavations unearthed evidence for new evidence for the extent of a Roman roadside settlement at Bainesse, and for an enclosed complex to the west, “which served as a family home, military depot and military centre.”
And if you want to see some of the vast collection of Roman and pre-Roman artifacts, they are being displayed at the Yorkshire Museum.