guy Posted April 27, 2022 Report Share Posted April 27, 2022 (edited) A skeleton and a caltrop [a Roman era device similar to police spikes possibly used to stop advancing troops and horses]. Both were unearthed at Grange Paddocks by archaeologists (Image: East Herts District Council) A small, but interesting find at Grange Paddocks: Quote A dig has discovered artefacts and bones dating back to Roman times. Archaeologists have been checking an area set aside for a new 3G football pitch at Grange Paddocks leisure centre in Bishop's Stortford. A Roman road, a possible temple, coins, and pottery are just some of the findings from Oxford Archaeology. Items that can be removed from the site will be preserved by the Bishop’s Stortford Museum. https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/roman-skeletons-weapons-discovered-during-7004357 Summary: It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to find Roman ruins buried in a modern frequently-used sports complex. It does, however, reflect the extensive Roman development in the area. I had never considered the use of caltrops in ancient warfare in Britain, probably to slow advance of troops, horses, and even chariots. Here is further information on the use of caltrops in ancient warfare: Quote A Caltrop, or Tribulus, is a weapon made up of two or more sharp nails or spines arranged in such a manner that one of them always points upward. They would often be hidden in grass or fords as part of defences that slowed the advancement of marching troops and horses, especially those drawing chariots. It was common for them to be used in areas around forts. The name “caltrop” comes from the Latin calcitrapa (foot-trap). The synonymous Latin word “tribulus” provides part of the modern scientific name of a plant commonly called the caltrop, whose spiked seed case can injure feet and even puncture tyres. (Picture from Trimontium Museum archive) https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/roman-skeletons-weapons-discovered-during-7004357 https://www.trimontium.co.uk/archive-item/caltrop-replica/ Edited April 27, 2022 by guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy Posted May 3, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2022 (edited) Further insights have been found about the site. The attached article has some wonderful pictures: Quote ”A building inside the main site – likely a warehouse – was built in a typically Germanic style with a series of cellars. Neal speculated it could have been constructed by auxiliaries from the region or veterans who had retired after 20 years of service and been rewarded with land..” “The military importance of the site has been emphasised by several finds including possible evidence of cavalry. Artefacts include a hipposandal – a forerunner of a horseshoe that protected the hoof of a horse.” “A building believed to be a roadside shrine has been detected. Neal said it was not possible to prove it was a site of pagan devotion, but it was remarkably similar to those found elsewhere with a substantial, thatched building inside a palisade. Only the discovery of a votive offering would clinch it, but he was satisfied.“ (Evidence of cremation) https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/fascinating-finds-reveal-bishops-stortfords-past-as-a-roma-9251991/ Edited May 3, 2022 by guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldrail Posted May 3, 2022 Report Share Posted May 3, 2022 Similar idea to anti-personnel mines, without explosive devices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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