Romano-British and early post-Roman glass vessels

Abstract

How did people in South West Britain respond to the impact of Rome? What did the end of Roman rule mean for Cornwall? How were the lifestyles and identities of indigenous British communities affected by Rome? These are amongst the searching questions explored in Excavations at Trethurgy Round, St Austell, a new publication which analyses the findings of the 1973 excavation. The site at Trethurgy is an excellent example of a round, a type of small enclosed settlement of considerable status and authority, prevalent in Cornwall from the Later Iron Age until the early Post-Roman period. Trethurgy remains the only round whose interior has been fully excavated, showing continuity in architecture and material culture from the mid-2nd century to the 6th century AD. The defended enclosure exhibited a basic site layout which was maintained throughout periods of refurbishment and contained large oval houses together with a wide range of other structures including a possible shrine. Artefacts from the site reflected the distinctive material culture of Roman Cornwall and include gabbroic pottery and bowls, mortars and weights produced in local stone. Post-Roman import wares from the 5th to 6th centuries were also present. Authoritatively presented by well known archaeologist Henrietta Quinnell, this important publication provides the most up to date commentary on life in Cornwall during Roman times. It is essential reading for everyone with an interest in Cornish archaeology and the regional character of Roman Britain.