History Ratae Corieltauvorum

1 history

1.1 prehistory
1.2 roman

1.2.1 establishment
1.2.2 development


1.3 medieval

history
prehistory

the native settlement encountered romans @ site seems have developed in 2nd or 1st centuries bc. little known settlement or condition of river soar @ time, although roundhouses era have been excavated , seem have clustered along 8 hectares (20 acres) of east bank of soar above confluence trent. area of soar split 2 channels: main stream east , narrower channel on west, presumably marshy island between. settlement seems have controlled ford across larger channel.

roman
establishment

after romans invaded britain in 1st century, established control on southeast corner of island, @ least couple of decades did not advance north , west in attempt subdue rest of island. 2 legionary fortresses established; 1 @ isca (exeter) in southwest corner of territory , other @ lindum (lincoln) in northeast. road, known fosse way, established between 2 control border. fosse way crossed soar close site of british settlement. 1 of enigmas of ratae s development whether or not there ever garrison stationed in vicinity. location—at river crossing on strategic road near native settlement—would have been ideal place fort. yet, however, there minimal evidence of one: single v-shaped ditch drainage slot @ bottom, found on island between 2 river channels. ditch similar in form type of military ditch known punic ditch, 1 side steeper other , drainage slot @ bottom. although suggestion roman fort established between 2 arms of soar around ad 50 cannot ruled out, there no evidence yet discovered of associated fort.

remains of roman bath


development

ratae seems have remained rather poor settlement. although there rapid rebuilding programme develop larger shops , houses, there few amenities , none of usual public buildings. instead of forum, there simple open marketplace @ centre. however, in 2nd century, better-quality spacious stone houses erected central courtyards. particularly fine excavated example had tesselated , mosaic floors, decorative plaster walls, , elaborate frieze around courtyard depicting theatrical masks, doves, pheasants, cupids, , flowers. not occupied long, however, , part of became factory manufacture of horn objects. other industries in town included pottery production , metal , glass working. eventually, forum , basilica built, though did not fill previous marketplace. public baths followed, placed west around year 145. fed aqueduct, of unusual plan , had large exercise room alongside. second marketplace laid out in 3rd century , basilican market hall erected. offices had decoratively-painted plaster ceilings. stone defensive circuit surrounded ratae end of 3rd century. there 4 gateways cemeteries outside each , suburb north. 2 suggested temples have been discovered in town, 1 possible mithraeum.

medieval

in late 4th century, ratae occupied detachment of roman army , towers may have been added town walls. however, serious fire spread through town centre , forum, basilica , market hall never rebuilt. settlement identified cair lerion mentioned among 28 cities of britain later history of britons traditionally attributed nennius.