2016-06-25 Sat

Amateur metal detectors discovered roman coins in Devon, England this week which reinstates that the Roman Empire extended to southwest Britain as well. Before this, it was believed that Ancient Rome did not stretch beyond Exeter. Initially 150 roman coins were discovered at the site, which made experts believe that it was an important find indeed. After further archaeological investigations more coins, a stretch of Roman road along with the remains of French and Mediterranean vessels which probably carried wine, olive oil and fish sauce were also unearthed.

The discovery also suggests that the Roman road did not end at Ipplepen but extended to Totnes. Officials found ring ditches belonging to iron-age roundhouses and the Roman road. They stated that road was probably built by the Roman army in the 50s AD and restored over the next 300 years.

Apart from the coins, coarse sherds from everyday cooking pots and bowls, kitchen bowls from France were also unearthed. One of them bears a human figure, possibly Hercules with a club. Handles of amphorae, probably carrying wine, oil and sauce, have also been found.

The coins featured elements of a peculiar lifestyle which suggests that this was a Romano-British settlement which flourished with trade activities. The artefacts clearly indicate that there was an impact of roman culture on Britons. The site is though different from other Romano-British settlements in neighbouring counties as the other sites have more coins, brooches and pottery. Researchers believe that the Dumnonii tribe living at the site were probably not completely Romanised. A 6th to the 8th century cemetery next to the Roman road also suggests that people lived in the area for more than 1,000 years.

Experts state that this find has opened doors to some new questions about history that need answers.