Colchester Roman preservation

[guy]

I don’t know the accuracy of this claim, but it is unfortunate, if true:

Quote

A section of Roman road uncovered during an archaeological dig is to be destroyed to make way for new housing, according to a former MP.

A spokesman for Essex Housing confirmed the archaeological remains of part of a Roman road had been discovered during excavations at the former hospital site. He added: "Essex Housing is working with experts from the Colchester Archaeological Trust to record the find in detail and a soft layer is set to be installed above the Roman road’s surface in order to preserve it."

 

Discovery - a section of Roman road was uncovered at the former Essex County Hospital site, off Lexden Road

 

 

 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-58752445

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/19613644.ancient-roman-ruins-discovered-ex-hospital-site/

Edited May 5, 2023 by guy

[guy]

I needed to put Colchester in historical perspective.

The ancient Roman city (Camulodunum) was the first legionary fortress established after the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. 

It was attacked and destroyed by Boudicca in 61 AD.

It was later rebuilt. It has the only Roman Circus (chariot racetrack) in Britain. It also has two of Britain’s five Roman theaters, including Britain’s largest with 5000 seats.

By the Second and Third centuries AD it may have had 30,000 inhabitants.

Two great videos on Roman Colchester:

This next video is more in-depth, but fascinating:

Colchester might have the oldest surviving Roman Christian church on display in Britain (16:30).

Many Roman graves were excavated in Colchester. Here is a young female buried with copper pins to keep her hair in place. (21:21)

The excavation of the Roman Circus track (33:49). It is estimated to have been a quarter mile long with up to 15,000 spectators.

Medical tools found in a pre-Christian grave. (28:28)

 

Edited October 2, 2021 by guy