Going potty for pottery and personal adornments (Milton, week 7)

Our ongoing excavation at the Roman site in Milton, Cambridge continues to yield a multitude of remarkable discoveries, providing us with invaluable insights. One of the most captivating aspects of the dig is the diverse array of finewares unearthed, revealing the artistic skills and trading networks of the local population, and confirming the sustained occupation of the site.

We have found an impressive array of pottery:

• Nene Valley colour-coated wares. Renowned for their vibrant appearance, these exquisite ceramics are from the Nene Valley region centred around present-day Water Newton (Durobrivae) near Peterborough. Dating from the mid-1st to the 4th centuries AD, these striking vessels are found widely distributed across East Anglia and even reach as far as Hadrian’s Wall.
• Samian from Gaul (modern-day France), this prestigious glossy red pottery gained popularity in Roman Britain from the 1st century AD. Adorned with intricate relief designs depicting various scenes, these vessels are symbols of prestige and luxury, widely traded throughout the Roman Empire.
• Black burnished wares, characterized by their polished black surfaces, served everyday purposes in the period AD120-250. Crafted from a lighter bluer fabric, these fine sandy vessels often surface in East Anglia, indicating a strong local trade network with the Thames Region and use within Cambridgeshire.
• Oxfordshire redwares are particularly prevalent, dating from the 3rd–5th centuries AD. These red/brown colour-coated ceramics include beakers, bowls, flagons, jars, mortaria, and occasionally others with decoration featuring white paint, rouletted patterns, stamped designs, or plain surfaces. Often the slip is a thin layer of clay applied to enhance appearance but adheres poorly and is delicate.
• Utilitarian shell-tempered wares present a unique challenge in archaeological identification as these fabrics occur well into the medieval period. Storage jars in these fabrics are common from the 1st-3rd centuries AD and remarkably, they exhibit minimal changes in their form, reflecting a consistent and stable local ceramic tradition.

Shifting our focus from pottery to other intriguing artefacts, we have unearthed an exquisite bracelet and partial bone comb. The discovery of the bracelet within one of the enclosure ditches is a rare find that sparks curiosity and raises questions about its significance and origin. Similarly, the bone comb – despite lacking its teeth – is a fascinating discovery in excellent condition. We hope that ongoing excavations will provide more examples of personal artefacts, allowing us to unravel the story behind the inhabitants of the site.

Looking closer at the archaeological features, an intriguing array of beam slots parallel to some of the enclosure ditches may indicate buildings with separate rooms such as storage spaces or working/living areas. While it is premature to assume the presence of a villa complex, our findings suggest the presence of a high-status Roman farmstead with ancillary buildings. However, the primary residential structure, known as the pars urbana, which would have housed living quarters, reception rooms, and other amenities, appears absent. During continued topsoil stripping there are promising indications of a high-status building and several large pieces of Roman tegula (roof tiles) and sandstone floor tiles continue to be found. Sandstone tiles were often used in the main rooms of villas, particularly in reception areas, dining rooms, and corridors, providing a practical and aesthetically pleasing flooring solution.

As our excavation progresses, we eagerly anticipate unearthing more exciting discoveries, helping us to reveal the lives and experiences of those who once inhabited this remarkable place.

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Previous update (week 6).

Next update (week 8).

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