Roman Britain

This 1993 FDC features artifacts from Rome's most northerly province. Left to right: from a hoard in Kent, Claudius is shown on a gold aureus coin. This bronze head of Hadrian was found by London Bridge in the Thames. The carnelian gemstone from the Caerleon fortress in Wales. Remains of Roman Villa in Dorset were unearthed revealing a large mosaic floor with this image of Christ.

I visited Caerleon and picked up this postcard where you can see the Great Drain running below the frigidarium. It was in this drain where they uncovered 88 gemstones, lost over a period over 150 years, it is the largest find in the Roman world.  Is this because this was the only drain of Roman baths excavated? Or were the jewelers of Caerleon unconcerned with fit?

 The Legionary Museum houses the gems, including the one of Roma featured on the stamp set.

Was this Lunt Fort cover sold only at the fort? The Fort's Roman name is unknown, but it was occupied multiple times during unrest, and constructed c. 60 CE namely as a supply post during the last campaign against Boadicea. The fort is now an attraction having been partially reconstructed from excavation findings. 

1900 years of Chester slogan cancel. Chester has its origins in 79 CE, when the Romans built the Fortress of Deva for the 20th Legion.    

An artist's reconstruction of the Chester Roman Legionary Fortress, c 125 CE.

This 1986 folded booklet is 2nd in the Roman Britain series, and shows the remains of the theater from the Roman city of Verulamium. This is near present day St Albans church, which, during its construction, quarried much stone from this ancient city. The theatre was built in 140 CE and ceased to be in use by 380. Seating as many as 2,000, this is theatre is unique in Britain, being the only non-amphitheater staged arena.