The post-excavation work at Milton is advancing impressively. All unearthed artefacts have been sent to specialists for detailed analysis, which will enrich our forthcoming assessment report and provide essential insights into the site’s context. Despite the complexity of analysing the large volumes of bone and pottery, the results are proving to be highly informative.
The site’s continuous use throughout the Roman period has been confirmed, with the farmstead serving both commercial and domestic roles, notably in producing meat and dairy products for Cambridge (Duroliponte).
A key part of the post-excavation process involves meticulously assembling the data collected during field operations. This phase, crucial yet often underappreciated, dives deep into the context information gathered on-site to weave together a comprehensive narrative. By examining context sheets, drawings, finds, and sample data, we methodically piece together the history of the site and attempt to decipher its purpose.
Central to this endeavour is the methodical categorisation of data, which incorporates not only the recovered artefacts but also a detective-like analysis to make informed decisions about the relationships among various features and their functions. This process is vital for refining our site plans and leads to a structured understanding of the site’s historical development over time. In Milton’s case, the overwhelming majority of the materials date to the Roman period, allowing us to phase the site according to early, middle, and late Roman periods. This chronological categorisation deepens our understanding of the site’s development.
The absence of notable Iron Age features suggests that the Roman structures were probably built over an existing Iron Age farming site, indicating a continuous agricultural tradition. It’s insightful to consider that the Romans were in Britain for nearly 400 years. To put that in perspective, that’s as far back as the 17th century is for us today. Reflecting on such a span makes it clear just how dynamic the changes over such periods can be, much like the profound transformations that have occurred since the 17th century in our own world.
As we compile the comprehensive assessment report, we are waiting for the final specialist reports. These will complete our evaluation, allowing us to present a thoroughly researched and reflective narrative of Milton’s extensive history. This final step will significantly enhance our understanding of the site’s past, marking a major milestone in our project.