Silchester Uncovered

The University of Reading has been excavating a particular part of the town, a residential area known as insula IX, every summer since 1997.

The modern excavation by the University of Reading of a section of the Roman town known as ‘Insula IX’. © University of Reading
 Early excavations, particularly those of the Revd Joyce and the Society of Antiquaries (1890–1909), revealed the plans of all the stone buildings. After this, only small-scale excavations took place until the 1980s when the forum basilica and the amphitheatre were investigated. 

The University of Reading's 'Town Life Project' excavations are exploring in detail this residential area, from its Iron Age origins to the end of the Roman occupation of the town. Modern methods, in particular the ability to recognise stratigraphy – the layers that build up over time – have allowed archaeologists to chart the development of individual buildings.

A variety of finds, including pottery, metalwork, and animal and plant remains are being studied in a chronological sequence in relation to the buildings. The way they change provides insight into the status, lifestyle and occupations of the inhabitants, and their links beyond this town.