Roman Shrine

History of Roman Shrine

The CAS 1999 publication ‘Roman Cambridge’ by Alexander and Pullinger describes (p.45-47) the archaeological remains of the the second century Roman shrine found at approximately this location.

Its dimensions were 8m x 5m  and it was cut 2m deep into the natural chalk. There was evidence of post holes used to support a superstructure and of plank lining. An amphora with a painted inscription came from these postholes. There were dog, horse and cow skeletons suggesting sacrifices. A horse had been killed and then surrounded by various large pottery vessels and iron objects.

Nearby three small dogs had been arranged in a triangle. All wore iron collars. A flagon was placed in the middle.

The many bones included 17 cow mandibles, 15 pig mandibles, 3 complete dog skeletons and 4 skulls. Other bones came from cats, ducks, chickens, hares and birds as well as 6500 oyster shells. There were also glass vessels, bone pins and needles, bone gaming pieces, a flute like bone pipe, an intaglio  of Bacchus and coins.

The shrine deposits had been sealed with a layer of clay and then covered over by deposits of the 3rd and 4th centuries.