SDO18100 - Archaeological Excavation and Archaeological Monitoring and Recording, Assessemnt report

The assessment report details the excavation work carried out by Context One Heritage & Archaeology at Dorset County Museum as a condition of granting planning permission for the construction of new museum facilities on site. The team were aware of previous below-ground investigations carried out by Terrain Archaeology in 2016 which clarified the character of the site and the area to include the route of one of the main streets of Roman Durnavaria. The archaeological programme of works discussed in the report comprises of open area excavation with additional groundworks outside of the area. Examination of the road from Durnavaria has been confirmed to a mid-1st century AD date for its construction and was found to be in similar form to contemary structures in neighbouring areas also dated within the mid to late 1st century AD. A 1st century AD ditch with a 2st century AD cess pit cutting into it was also uncovered suggesting a re-orientation of the area. A 4th centuray AD hearth was seen in the east section of the excavation in the south eastern corner. Roman pottery, ceramics and buliding materials were all found during this assessment. Further analysis of the findings have the potential to enhance understanding of the trajectory of use within this important location in the centre of the Roman town. This includes clarifying the creation and abandonment of the road, the possible re-orientation of the plot in the later 2nd or 3rd centuries AD, and the re-imagining of the use of this area in the 4th century AD.