Roman Birmingham 3 : Excavations at Metchley Roman Fort 1999-2001 And 2004-2005

Description

"Archaeological excavation, salvage recording and watching briefs were undertaken at Metchley Roman fort, Birmingham, in 1999-2001 and 2004-2005. ... The areas investigated were located mainly to the west of the Roman military complex. The earliest features may have belonged to a construction camp ... preparatory to the layout of the first fort ... around AD 48. ... Most importantly, the excavations provided the first structural evidence for a civilian settlement at the site. ... Both the external and internal livestock enclosures belonged to the Neronian military stores depot ... The western livestock complex was abandoned by the early Flavian period. This zone to the west of the military complex was not brought back into use during subsequent occupations of the military complex, which continued up to the end of the 2nd century."--Summary, p. 1-2. "The location of Metchley at an important road junction, and at, or adjoining, several tribal boundaries, could have proved important for the collection of livestock from the surrounding countryside. Assuming it was concerned with the supply of auxiliary rather than legionary units, Metchley is likely to have supplied forts within the local or regional area."--Conclusion, p. 106.

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