Roman Mansio

History of the Roman mansio

The 1999 CAS report ‘Roman Cambridge’ by Alexander and Pullinger describes the features of the Roman mansio  found at approximately this location. A mansio was an official stopping place on a Roman road, or via, maintained by the central government for the use of officials and those on official business whilst travelling.

It was built of limestone blocks and dated from the 2nd century AD. There was lots of evidence of the hypocaust floor. Lots of wall-plaster was found with evidence of different design areas. Mock-marble panels were popular in the building. There was evidence of painted human figures. All pottery sherds found came from the second century.