A week of fascinating discoveries (Milton, week 6)

It has been an incredibly busy week on site, and we have some thrilling updates to share with you. With the plant now back on site, we have made remarkable progress in the next area, having stripped a 0.6-hectare area. But here’s the most exciting part: the density of ditches in this newly uncovered section is even more substantial than in our initial findings.

As we dig deeper, it is becoming increasingly likely that we are uncovering an area of habitation. The abundance of fine table wares suggests that we might have stumbled upon the remains of a Roman villa or farmstead. The stories that these artefacts can tell us about the daily lives of the Romans who once called this place home are exciting. They suggest a family of some affluence who benefitted from both local markets, but with a relatively large quantity of 1^st-century pottery (Samian) having been imported from Gaul (modern France).

Our dig team continues to make fascinating discoveries. We are unearthing a diverse array of pottery, that is building up a picture of the domestic and utilitarian uses. What has really caught our attention is the substantial amount of animal bone still being unearthed. Upon closer examination, we have noticed cut marks on many of these bones from butchery and dismemberment. This evidence either supports food preparation for a large household over an extended period of time or possibly commercial production for market in the local town of Duroliponte (Cambridge).

But there’s more! Our excavation has also revealed another exciting clue— sherds of Roman roofing tile known as tegula leave little doubt that a structure once stood proudly nearby on this land. Whether it was a magnificent villa with sprawling rooms and stunning courtyards, or a more functional array of ancillary buildings serving a farmstead, has yet to be determined. The possibilities are tantalising, but can’t let our imaginations run wild, as archaeologists we are in pursuit of the evidence.

To aid our exploration, we have employed innovative techniques. An orthomosaic, a stunning aerial photograph stitched together from multiple images, has been created for the newly exposed area. By enhancing the image, we have an invaluable technique that guides our excavation strategy and provides crucial insights into the overall layout of the site.

Stay tuned for more updates as we piece together the puzzle of the past! Our excavation of this culturally Roman site holds the promise of uncovering the secrets of a remarkable villa or farmstead, shedding light on the vibrant lives led by our Roman forebears.

Previous update (week 5).

Next update (week 7).

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