A new book has been published that brings to life Roman Carlisle.
Life and Death in Roman Carlisle: Excavations at 107-117 Botchergate, 2015 is about the excavations which took place during the construction of Cumbria House on Botchergate beginning in 2015.
It uncovers the stories of those who lived, worked, and were laid to rest in the city nearly 2,000 years ago.
Led by Wardell Armstrong’s David Jackson and Dr Matthew Hobson, the archaeological project has revealed a wealth of history, including a 2nd century roadside cremation cemetery and buildings situated on Carlisle’s urban fringe during the Roman Empire.
Among the most striking discoveries are richly furnished graves that suggest the individuals buried there hailed from northern France and southern Belgium.
These findings highlight Carlisle’s role as a multicultural hub, with strong ties to the auxiliary troops stationed at its two Roman forts that would have been an important administrative centre for the army stationed on Hadrian’s Wall.
Dr Hobson said: “The burial rites and grave goods we uncovered closely mirror those found in Gaulish and Belgic cemeteries, suggesting the deceased were auxiliary soldiers or their families, who followed the army to Britain. This speaks to the far-reaching connections of Roman Carlisle and its diverse population.”
The book has been published by Cumberland Council and Wardell Armstrong LLP.
The book is available online through Archaeopress as an open access ebook, and offers readers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and settlers who once called Luguvalium (Carlisle) home.
It is available at https://www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress/Products/9781803278438
