'Layers of Roman history' found during renovation

A hoard of fragmented Roman artefacts found in Somerset has sparked wonder among archaeologists about "the layers of history hidden beneath our feet".

Excavations beneath the Bath Assembly Rooms have uncovered a network of Roman ditches, pottery, coins, glassware, and piece of a military helmet.

Experts said the finds expand the known extent of Roman occupation, and suggest that further remains are likely to survive beneath neighbouring Georgian streets.

Project curator Tatjana LeBoff said "the atmosphere changes" on site, as relics of the past are brought into the light for the first time in nearly 2,000 years.

The Assembly Rooms are currently undergoing a £20m refurbishment and will reopen in 2027.

But when digging about a metre (3ft) below ground, ancient stories began to surface.

From a single ditch, teams from Wessex Archaeology recovered almost 60 fragments of Roman pottery alongside glass vessels, animal bones, roof tiles, three Roman coins and a limestone tessera (cubed tile), which may once have formed part of a mosaic floor.

Among the most intriguing finds was a fragment of a Roman military helmet.

Experts said this is further evidence that military personnel were involved in the construction of the city and the Roman roads leading from it.

"It's opened up the possibility that Bath may not just be the Roman Bath we see today above ground, but it could have extended further," LeBoff explained.

"It makes you wonder when you're walking through the city, about the layers of history hidden beneath out feet."

Teams also unearthed several items from the 18th century - including a clay pipe and wig curlers - offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of visitors who once flocked to one of Jane Austen's favourite ballrooms.

Marek Lewcun, from Wessex Archaeology, said the project presented a rare opportunity to explore previously inaccessible ground.

"It's not every day you get to explore the ground below a Georgian building," he said.

"What we don't know is exactly what was happening here in the Roman period. "Perhaps future work involving neighbouring streets and properties will tell us more."

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