Incredible new images shed light on major settlement in Roman Britain during rule of 'rebel' emperors

Archaeologists have made exciting new discoveries about the Roman past of an East Yorkshire town, revealing that the area's fortifications were strengthened in the late 3rd century when Britain was under the rule of "rebel" emperors.

An artist has brought the past to life with a stunning rendition of the scale of the ancient Roman fort Petuaria, which safeguarded a major Roman community. The team behind the dig , the Petuaria ReVisited Project, is inviting the public to an open day this Sunday from 10am to 4pm BST.

Visitors will get the chance to explore the site, check out the artifacts unearthed, and enjoy activities suitable for all ages. Martin Credland, who spearheads the Petuaria ReVisited Project, is touting the open day as a fantastic chance to see the fruits of their labor.

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"On our tours, anyone can come down, and we'll show them around the site," Credland said. "We'll explain what we've found this year and in previous years, and how this all comes together to tell the story of Petuaria", reports the Express US .

Brough is thought to have been the central hub for the Parisi tribe in eastern Yorkshire during the Roman era. Although the Roman walls have been on the radar since the 1930s, it's only through recent excavations that truly groundbreaking finds have been made.

In 2023, archaeologists dug up an external tower or bastion, similar to those seen in Roman London and Saxon Shore forts. In the late 3rd century, a commander named Carausius attempted to secede from Rome, declaring himself emperor in Britain. He was assassinated in 293 by his ally Allectus, who ruled for an additional three years.

Credland's interest in the project stems from a desire to shift Brough's focus from aerospace to archaeology. More than 100 volunteers, many new to the field, are involved in the excavation, investigating Roman defenses at Burrs playing field and a Roman road in a nearby garden.

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Credland praised the diversity of the volunteers, noting they "learn new skills, meet new people, and develop a new interest," while enjoying outdoor activities. A permanent display panel at the playing field now provides information about these discoveries, funded by a government shared prosperity grant.

Geophysical surveys and excavations have revealed numerous buildings beneath the field. Additionally, a grant from the Hull Maritime Project has facilitated surveys in gardens along Cave Road, revealing Roman structures possibly linked to a small port at the tidal inlet.

The Petuaria ReVisited Project is managed by the Elloughton Brough Playing Field Association in collaboration with the East Riding Archaeological Society.