Archaeologists are delving into a fascinating mystery that may provide new insights into the interactions between ancient Scottish communities and the Roman legions stationed at Hadrian’s Wall.
Discovery at an Ancient Settlement
During an excavation at the William Grant & Sons Girvan Distillery site in South Ayrshire, researchers uncovered an Iron Age settlement dating back to a period when Roman control over southern Scotland had weakened. The site appears to have been home to a prosperous farming family, featuring a large timber roundhouse encircled by a sturdy wooden palisade with a gated entrance.
A Roman Artifact in a Native Context
While excavating the foundation of the timber wall, archaeologists from GUARD Archaeology discovered an enamelled bronze brooch. Upon closer examination, they determined it was of distinctly Roman origin rather than a local creation.
“This type of brooch, dating to the late second century AD, is commonly found along the Roman Empire’s borders, particularly in eastern Gaul, Switzerland, and the Rhineland,” explained Jordan Barbour, co-author of a report on the excavation. “They were especially popular among Roman military personnel, suggesting that this brooch likely belonged to a soldier stationed along the Empire’s northernmost frontier.”
Purposeful Burial and Possible Ritual Significance
What makes this find even more intriguing is that there was no evidence that the brooch had been worn by a local Briton. Instead, it had been deliberately buried during the construction of the settlement’s defensive palisade.
Archaeologists speculate that the brooch may have been placed as a votive offering, possibly intended to protect the household. Another theory suggests it could have been a war trophy, taken from a Roman soldier during a skirmish. However, given the lack of other Roman artifacts at the site, trade seems less likely as an explanation.
“It’s difficult to determine exactly why the brooch was deposited in the palisade trench,” Barbour noted. “However, ritual foundation offerings are common across many cultures, often intended to provide protection, so this is a strong possibility.”
The Settlement’s Strategic Location
The settlement was strategically positioned on a rocky plateau with a steep cliff to the north, providing a natural defensive advantage. Although no Roman forts were nearby following the abandonment of the Antonine Wall in the second century AD, a first-century Roman marching camp was located just two kilometers southwest, indicating a historical Roman presence in the area.
Conflict between local Britons and Roman forces likely played a recurring role in the region’s history, which may explain the community’s need for strong defensive structures.
Evidence of Longstanding Human Habitation
This Iron Age roundhouse was not the only significant discovery at the site. Researchers also uncovered evidence of an earlier, unenclosed roundhouse dating back to the seventh century BC—centuries before the Romans arrived in Britain. Additionally, pottery fragments from the Neolithic period (circa 3,700–3,500 BC) suggest even older habitation, including the presence of a large timber monument constructed at the site.
Ongoing Research and Future Insights
The excavation, conducted by GUARD Archaeology for McLaughlin & Harvey and funded by William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd., was carried out as part of a planning requirement set by South Ayrshire Council. Given the site's proximity to known prehistoric settlements, archaeologists anticipated significant findings—and they were not disappointed.
As research continues, experts hope to uncover more about the interactions between the region’s Iron Age inhabitants and the Roman world, adding another layer to Scotland’s complex and fascinating history.
