Possible Shop Unearthed in Roman Maryport

News September 30, 2013

(Hadrian’s Wall Trust)
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Roman mayport shops
(Hadrian’s Wall Trust)

CUMBRIA, ENGLAND—Six buildings dating to the second and third centuries A.D. and a Roman road have been found in Roman Maryport, near Hadrian’s Wall. One of the buildings is thought to have been a shop, since there is no stone wall on the side of the building facing the road. It may have had a timber booth or double doors for admitting customers. Artifacts in the building include stones for sharpening blades and tools, glass beads, food pots, amphorae fragments, glass vessels, and a spindle whorl. A stairwell suggests that people may have worked on the ground floor and lived over the shop. “We haven’t yet been able to determine what was sold here,” said archaeologist Stephen Rowland. 

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