It is worth bearing in mind that many find sites are places of persistent occupation – not just Roman.
To what extent do new and current landscape studies reveal significant new information? Palaeoenvironmental and alluvial studies are relevant to this.
Look at regional variants of material and typologies to help answer this.
We need to test distribution for forts empirically rather than assume if it fits a conventional pattern.
Development-led archaeology on military sites in urban contexts provides an important opportunity to review chronologies and phasing of the sequence of fort construction and use. Particular attention should be paid to any possible traces of early pre-fort phases or later Roman occupation.
Landscape studies including lidar, field survey, aerial photography, plus palaeoenvironmental assessment such as pollen and wood analysis. Target the hinterland of Roman forts including small wetlands adjacent to sites for cereals and local impact. Look at regional, climate-driven changes.
Refer to Q11 supporting statement and include analysis of soil contaminants. Current study of geochemical signatures for historic lead production in the Peak District (Nick Clarke), can this model of research be applied elsewhere? River, lake and peat deposits will give good time depth.
Potential sites of un-located forts have been identified and air reconnaissance and field evaluation / survey should be directed to these, which are listed in the original research framework in section 3.4:30. Check LIDAR information on the ground for development proposals alongside known Roman roads. Use improved geophysical survey techniques/equipment.
Work with the Citizan project
Where bone or teeth are present, consideration should be made for biomolecular and isotopic analysis.
Undertake a synthesis of recent relevant work. Identify gaps in knowledge and carry out geophysical and landscape surveys, followed by targeted evaluation and excavation. Look at successful funding models from recent projects, such as university research or HLF community projects. NEW STRATEGY Much progress has been made on this over the last 10 years but what is especially needed now is synthesis.
Linked with Q R28
Sir Ian Richmond’s unpublished archives for Lancaster should also be re-examined.
Include unpublished reports including academic research.
Look at results and recommendations of the Rural Settlement of Roman Britain research project.
Use Bayesian modelling within and across sites for general trends. Retain samples for future dating.
Ensure consistency in HER date terms. Will work provided the HER is current and complete.
Need to include PAS data. Will work particularly with objects such as brooches (eg. Wirral types or trumpet types associated with military activity).
Note that recent publications from Middlewich and Nantwich contain evidence of ritual activity.
Look for evidence for the establishment of late Roman churches and their continuation into the early medieval period
Use current scientific techniques to maximise understanding.
Assess how much evidence there is for Romano-British funerary practices outside urban contexts and caves?
Specialist analysis of excavation assemblages, PAS data, possible PhD topic with research funding.
Research old excavation archives. Specialist analysis of excavation assemblages, possible PhD topic with research funding. Linked with Question R13
We need to ensure that there are sufficient ceramic and other specialists to tackle future projects and existing backlogs. Where are the specialist trainees and mentors?
Linked with Q R15
In addition old excavations may need review in light of new thinking.
Cross-theme? Synthesis of key excavated sites. Links to devolution comment in overview Point 6. Comparison with other regions and Wales/Scotland, and other provinces in the Roman Empire, will provide context and inform our understanding of how different the NW was.
Linked to Q R14 on extra-mural settlements (vici). Examine good excavation sequences from extra-mural settlements. Analyse the Rural Research project data to see potential impact on rural settlement sites.
Part of the Research Frameworks Network