Roman Rocester

Silver Constantinopolus coin found at Rocester

Excavations in the town between 1985 and 1987, revealed Roman activity from the 1st to 4th centuries AD. In the 1st century AD, a Roman military base was established, but the remains of three successive forts were unearthed. The best archaeological evidence was for the third fort which dated from 140-160AD to 200AD. An almost complete timber barrack building was uncovered from this time, along with lots of artefacts and environmental evidence.

Roman pottery found at Rocester
(on display in The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery)

Finds included pottery and glass associated with eating and drinking, and military items, such as armour, horse equipment, arrowheads, ballista bolt-heads and spearheads. Environmental evidence tells us what the soldiers ate, so we know from the study of seeds, pollen and animal bones, that their diet included wheat, barley, beef, lamb, ham and chicken. Glass gaming counters reflected their off duty pursuits.

After the third fort was abandoned, a civilian settlement grew up on the site, which became a small town in the 3rd and 4th centuries.