Archaeologists have unearthed an Iron Age Roman settlement after a remarkable discovery of rare swords, sparking excitement among historians.
The excavation near a village in the Cotswolds has uncovered potential evidence of a Roman villa, following a significant find. This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a wealth of ancient remains, due to the importance of Cirencester (Corinium) and Gloucester (Glevum) in Roman Britain.
The archaeological interest was piqued after two iron Roman cavalry swords, which may still bear traces of their scabbards, were unearthed during a metal detecting rally near Willersey two years prior.
Glenn Manning, the metal detectorist who found the swords, later generously donated them to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. Manning said that “finding two swords in the same spot was amazing,” but shared an eerie premonition: “The morning before the rally, I had a feeling I would find something special.”
Reflecting on his novice treasure finder status, he added: “This was only my second time metal detecting. I’m excited to find out more about them.”
Following the discovery, Historic England carried out geophysical surveys in the vicinity, which indicated the potential presence of extensive prehistoric and Romano-British remains.
Earlier this year, excavations revealed settlements that spanned several centuries, including three or four Iron Age ring ditches, a sizeable rectangular enclosure, and remnants of Roman limestone buildings, possibly indicating a winged villa.
Further archaeological investigation is necessary, and depending on the findings, Historic England may propose to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that the site be designated as a scheduled monument for its historical significance.
Remarkable Roman cavalry swords, known as “spatha”, believed to have been used from the early second century AD through to the third century AD, have been unearthed in Gloucestershire.
The connection between these long swords and the nearby villa remains a mystery.
Ian Barnes, senior archaeologist at Historic England, remarked: “This excavation provides valuable insights into the nature of settlement patterns from the Early Iron Age through to the Roman period in Gloucestershire.
“This new evidence will help us to understand more about what happened around the period of the Roman Conquest, which must have been a tumultuous time.”
Peter Busby of Cotswold Archaeology expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments: “I am very proud of how much our team of volunteers, professional archaeologists, and metal detectorists achieved in 15 days, despite the heavy January rain.
“We turned a ploughed field, the swords, and geophysical anomalies into the story of a settlement spanning hundreds of years – the first stage in telling the history of these fields and their cavalry swords.”
Emma Stuart, director of the Corinium Museum, shared her excitement: “It’s a privilege to acquire such rare artefacts.
“This valuable addition of Roman weaponry at the museum broadens the story of life in the Cotswolds during the mid to late Roman period.
“Wiltshire Conservation has identified the scabbard remnants and this adds another dimension to this discovery.”
The public will have the opportunity to view these fascinating swords at the Corinium Museum starting August 2.