Iron Age finds in the city go on display 50 years after first excavations

Fifty years after the University of Reading-led archaeological excavation began, an upcoming exhibition showcases the surprising discoveries unearthed during excavations at the ancient Roman site  in Silchester, Hampshire. 

Participants in 'Becoming Rome – Silchester, a City in Change' will travel back in time 2,000 years to delve into the lives of the Gauls who founded the colony and explore the changes that took place after the Roman conquest of Britain. 

 Professor Michael Fulford from the University of Reading is director of the Silchester Town Life Project. He said: "It's great to be contributing to an exhibition showcasing some of the great discoveries from the excavations at the University of Reading in Silchester." How did life change after the Roman conquest? “We are extremely grateful to the tremendous contributions of generations of our students and local volunteers  to the success of our excavations over the past 50 years.” 

The  150 exhibits include terracotta floor tiles that preserve the footprints of animals and children, a large Roman grain bin on display for the first time after its restoration, intricately carved jewelry, and a Roman stone with Nero's inscription. This includes roof tiles, etc. Additionally, visitors can see from inside the ongoing archaeological excavations that continue to reveal the secrets of Silchester's residents. 

Once a wealthy capital and home to an Iron Age mint, Silchester traded with neighboring tribes in Britain as well as with the entire Roman Mediterranean world. The exhibit will focus on their trade and metalworking skills, featuring wagon accessories and  discovered blacksmiths. An emotional insight into life in the Iron Age includes the skeleton of what is believed to be Britain's first companion dog imported  across the English Channel.  With the arrival of the Romans, inevitable changes occurred. This exhibition examines how  Iron Age settlements, known for their round houses, developed with the introduction of  Roman road systems, forums and baths. Visitors  learn how Roman baths worked, with their complex underfloor heating and gas systems, and observe personal items such as hairpins and jewelry left behind by bath users.  

Image Credit : University of Reading

Nick Suffolk, Head of Heritage Experiences at Hampshire Cultural Trust, said that 'Becoming Rome - Silchester, a City in Change' will provide a glimpse into the daily lives of people thousands of years ago through everyday artefacts. emphasized the emotional connection. 

Becoming Rome – Silchester, the City of Change, visits Christchurch's Red House Museum and Andover Museum. The new exhibition opens on Saturday 10th February at Basingstoke's Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery and ends on Sunday 28th April.