Seeing Roman Britain by TR2

[PaulAnderson]

It looks like the Roman army museum site on Hadrian's Wall (near Greenhead) is about to get its own archaeological dig as shown on this north east newspaper article

Paul

[RobH]

Interesting Paul.

( I was amused by the comments at the end of that piece. ) 

[john.r.davies]

Last summer, I visited Vindolanda with a local History Group, and we had the benefit of three archaeologists from Lancaster Uni , AND to be shown the current diggings by the chief excavator.   What became fascinating was the clear diversion of views among the professionals, about what the ruins and findings meant!    'Bay window'-like bulges in walls - did they mean Christian worship or something else?    What about the different scripts in memorials?   

If/when you go, do not miss the museum across the valley from the fort, where many of the finds are preserved.   In particular those that show the fort to be more domestic than martial.     The children's sandals, the letters from the CO's wife to her friend along the wall, inviting her to a birthday party!!  Such details bridge thousands of years, as no amount of armour and weapons can.

For those, see the Roman Army Museum at Greenhead, westwards along the wall.      Their displays fascinate children, especially the 'fireside chat' where they can sit as if with an old Roman soldier who tries to recruit them to join the Legions!

John

[PaulAnderson]

Here’s another local newspaper article that might be of interest.

Paul

[PaulAnderson]

For those with interest in Roman roads, there’s two free online talks on this evening.

one is on archaeological discoveries on the A428 road development at This link and the other on the Roman conquest of central Britain at This link

Paul