Groundbreaking Publication Explores Carlisle’s Roman-Era Heritage
Cumberland Council and Wardell Armstrong LLP (part of SLR) have announced the release of Life and Death in Roman Carlisle: Excavations at 107-117 Botchergate, 2015. This newly published work sheds light on the Roman history of Carlisle, offering insights into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
Unearthing the Past: Archaeological Discoveries at Botchergate
The book documents excavations that took place in 2015 during the construction of Cumbria House on Botchergate. Supported by the council, this archaeological endeavor has revealed stories of those who lived, worked, and were buried in the city nearly 2,000 years ago.
Led by archaeologists David Jackson and Dr. Matthew Hobson from Wardell Armstrong, the research uncovered a 2nd-century roadside cremation cemetery and structures located on the outskirts of Roman Carlisle. These findings provide a glimpse into the city's urban development during the Roman Empire.
Evidence of a Multicultural Community
Among the most remarkable discoveries are elaborately furnished graves suggesting that individuals buried there originated from northern France and southern Belgium. This reinforces the idea that Carlisle was a diverse and interconnected hub, closely linked to the auxiliary troops stationed at its two Roman forts, which played a vital administrative role for the military presence along Hadrian's Wall.
Dr. Hobson explained:
“The burial practices and artifacts we found are strikingly similar to those in Gaulish and Belgic cemeteries. This suggests that the deceased were auxiliary soldiers or their families who accompanied the army to Britain, further illustrating Roman Carlisle’s international connections.”
A Valuable Resource for Education and Research
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact:
“We are thrilled to support this research, and now anyone can explore Carlisle’s rich history online for free. These discoveries strengthen Carlisle’s position as a significant Roman frontier settlement, offering valuable resources for schools, universities, and researchers worldwide to study ancient history and archaeology.”
Accessing the Book
Available as an open-access e-book through Archaeopress, Life and Death in Roman Carlisle invites readers to delve into the lives of the soldiers and settlers who once called Luguvalium (Carlisle) home. This publication adds another fascinating chapter to the city’s deep-rooted historical legacy.
