Workers in the UK have made an archaeological discovery that could have important consequences for the way we think about the history of Roman Britain.
Earlier this year it was discovered in a field a supposed Roman road dating back 2, 000 years. The road could be the only one of its kind in Britain and of “global importance”.
Archaeologists say the cobbled ford discovered near Evesham, Worcestershire, may be the best Roman example of its kind in the country.
If it is confirmed that it originated in the 1st century AD, it would be “more than rare” and the only road of its kind in Great Britain.
The section of 32 feet, which is 9.6 feet wide, was discovered during routine water works by Severn Trent a few weeks ago.
It is said that it was built as a wall with large stones placed in bands, a traditional Roman technique, with its only comparisons in Rome and Pompeii.
The exact location of the discovery is hidden, but it is found by a river where a complex of Roman-era villas was previously discovered four years ago. Excavations are now underway to find out more about the site, but experts say everything points to it being a genuine Roman structure, built 1,861 years.
The Owners of those lands have contacted the Wychavon District Council and it is now expected that a team of H istoric England analyze the excavations. Aidan Smyth, archeology officer for the Wychavon District Council, said the discovery “blew him away.”
The ford, which crosses a stream, also has ruts in the stones that it was used by wagons for a long time.
“At the moment everything is ticking the boxes to be Roman, but it still feels too good to be true, so we keep an open mind”, Smyth said. “If it turns out to be medieval, then it could still be considered nationally significant, as nothing similar has been found in Britain to date.”
“If it is a 1st century Roman feature, it’s the only one of its kind found in Britain to date, there’s nothing like this medieval either,” he added.
“If it were to be a Roman feature, with its only comparisons in Rome and Pompeii, one could argue that it is of world importance, not only of national importance”, he confirmed.
“The masonry is absolutely perfect. It just ticks all the boxes to be a Roman.” Wychavon District Council has so far confirmed that no datable finds have been discovered, such as pottery or coins, which are usually used to help date the site.
Instead, an excavated section of the road will be sent for an optically stimulated luminescence test that will measure the last time the sediment was exposed to sunlight. This process could take several months, and in the meantime the site may be buried again to prevent deterioration.
Worcestershire is fertile ground for important archaeological finds, as Worcester was possibly the site of the Roman city of Vertis. The Roman army passed through the area now known as Worcestershire in the years 40 and 50 d. C. while moving west to reach the River Severn on its way to Wales. 2022
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