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Archeologists unearth ‘beautifully preserved’ Roman road in Cumbria
Some of the finds at the site have been described as being of international significance
A 1,900-year-old Roman road has been discovered during an archeological dig in Cumbria.
The project at a site in Carlisle, near an ancient bath house, unearthed the ‘beautifully preserved’ piece of history.
In May, two sculptures were also discovered at the site, including timber buildings – believed to be shops – as well as ovens and millstones.
The bathhouse was located close to Hadrian’s Wall in what was once a cobbled Roman road.
Members of the public were invited to watch the exciting week-long dig, which has now ended.
Technical Director, Frank Giecco, at Wardell and Armstrong – the organisation which has run the project – said the road was ‘beautifully preserved’.
He also said that it was probably built around AD 128 and was likely still being used in the 13th century as a silver coin depicting King Edward I was found on it.
Since 2021, more than 2,000 items including pottery, weapons, coins and semi-precious stones have been found there.
“It’s been an amazing six days with three archeologists and 12 volunteers, many of whom have been working on the project since 2017,” Mr Giecco said.
“They are all very well trained volunteers but there are new people joining all the time and we have 1,600 members in our group who are passionate about the archeology of Carlisle.”
Some of the finds at the site have been described as being of international significance, with the pair of Roman god sculptures being thought to date back as far as AD 200.
The sandstone heads, discovered in May, once formed part of sculptures standing 12-15 ft high and are currently on display at Tullie House.
Mr Giecco added: “Every season we’ve been really lucky. Last time we discovered the sandstone heads and the previous dig we discovered the intaglios gems.
“We are so fortunate to find things that have brought national and even international attention to the site.
“It’s a huge site and we’ve probably only looked at about 50% of it.
“As well as the big finds, I get excited about the buildings of lower status like the timber shops where lower class people would have lived and made a living.”