EXPLORE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS
The preparations for the redevelopment have presented the opportunity to excavate a site close to the boundary of the Roman city, and where the iconic Colchester Sphinx was discovered in 1821. This opportunity has enabled Essex Housing, through the expert team at the Colchester Archaeological Trust, to make exciting discoveries and learn even more about the city’s Roman past.
Given Colchester and its residents’ attachment to the city’s Roman past, it was a key priority for Essex Housing to enable the public to be a part of the excavations at the site. We were able to offer a rare opportunity for residents to watch the archaeologists while they worked and volunteers were able to get involved with a live archaeological excavation.
These discoveries and many more have helped us to understand more about life and activities at the site in Roman times and provided the opportunity to learn about Colchester’s interesting history.
Through the excavations conducted by Colchester Archaeological Trust, a range of exciting discoveries have been made so far. These include:
Large amounts of Roman pottery, including decorated Samian-ware vessels depicting gladiatorial scenes from Gaul, and a Hadham-ware (Hertfordshire) ‘facepot’
Glass vessels including two fragments of ‘circus cups’ depicting chariot racing scenes that were likely made in Colchester as souvenirs for the nearby Roman Circus.
A section of Roman road, evidence of stone and timber roadside buildings, and a series of clay tile ovens set back from the road but following its alignment.
A number of Roman burials along the road and in the southern area of the site.
Roman rubbish pits, quarry pits, and the ditches of paddocks.
