Roman Ratae Corieltauvorum

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.