This blog post delves into the distinctive identity of communities in Dumnonia during the Roman Empire, highlighting archaeological findings from Exeter and its hinterland, the development of urban centers, and recent discoveries at Ipple Pen, showcasing the region's unique cultural and economic landscape.
In this exploration of the southwest of Roman Britain, we focus on the distinctive identity forged by communities in Dumnonia. Identity remains a crucial aspect of human experience, as illustrated by the friendly rivalry over the correct way to dress a scone in Devon versus Cornwall. This rivalry reflects the importance of local identities, a theme that resonates throughout the archaeological findings in Roman Britain.
The insights presented here stem from a significant project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, titled "Exeter: A Place in Time." This project aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of Exeter's development during the Roman and medieval periods, examining not only the city itself but also its relationship with the surrounding hinterland. Contrary to the perception of the southwest as a sleepy region, Exeter was a major international port during the Roman period.
Exeter was established as a legionary fortress around 55 AD, maintaining full strength until the mid-70s AD, after which the garrison was gradually withdrawn. By 80-85 AD, the military presence in the southwest diminished significantly. Exeter subsequently became the capital of the Dumnonii, with its counterpart to the east being Dorchester, the capital of the Durotriges. The two towns had markedly different hinterlands, with Exeter at the center of a unique regional development.
The eastern part of the southwest, corresponding to modern Dorset and Somerset, exhibited a typical Roman urban hierarchy with several substantial towns and smaller roadside settlements. However, recent discoveries have revealed a significant port and probable small town at Topsham, indicating that urban characteristics extended further than previously thought.
A striking regional difference is evident in the development of urbanism across the southwest. While Dorset and Somerset had numerous rural Romano-Celtic temples and villas, the hinterland of Exeter showed a lack of such structures. The distribution of Roman villas was also uneven, with many found in Dorset and Somerset but few in Devon.
Agricultural practices varied significantly across the region. In Somerset, spelt wheat dominated, while in Devon and Cornwall, there was a greater diversity of crops, including oats. This diversity reflects a longstanding tradition of crop cultivation rather than a backwardness in farming practices. The historian Harold Fox has argued that this variety indicates a deep understanding of local soils and environments.
The production and circulation of pottery in the region reveal further insights into local identities. For instance, gabbroic pottery from Cornwall dominated local assemblages but saw a dramatic decline just across the Tamar River into Devon. This suggests that pottery production and distribution were socially embedded, with communities favoring different sources based on regional preferences.
A significant recent discovery at Ipple Pen has shed light on the Roman presence in the southwest. Initially identified through the Portable Antiquities Scheme, this site revealed a substantial Iron Age settlement and a major Roman road that traversed it. Excavations uncovered extensive domestic occupation, circular houses, and a variety of artifacts, including pottery and animal bones.
The excavations at Ipple Pen suggest it was a significant roadside settlement, possibly linked to the broader Roman economy. The presence of a Romano-Celtic temple structure and a cemetery indicates a complex social landscape. The site has produced a notable number of coins and evidence of iron smithing and commerce, reflecting a vibrant community engaged in trade and cultural exchange.
The findings from Exeter and Ipple Pen illustrate the unique identity and life of communities in Dumnonia during the Roman Empire. The region's archaeological record reveals a complex interplay of local traditions and Roman influences, highlighting a distinctive cultural landscape. For those interested in further details, the first volume of the Exeter project is now available, providing deeper insights into this fascinating period of history.
