| Summary : The site of the Roman civitas capital at Chichester. The earliest structural evidence in the town is found in the north-west quarter and consists of timber buildings of probable Claudian date, indicating military occupation. Several bronzes of Roman military type have also been found to further suggest military origins. This was, however a short lived phase. Succeeding the earlier levels in the Claudio-Neronian period were remains of industrial activity. Two pottery kilns were built and several substantial timber buildings were identified.In the Flavian-Trajanic period that the street grid appears to be laid out and the baths were constructed.The sites of a possible Forum, an amphitheatre and a temple are known, as well as cemeteries on the west and east sides of the town. In the later 2nd century an earthen bank was built around the town, which was soon replaced in the third century by a wall of flint and mortar. The foundations of two gates associated with the walls have been proven by excavation, namely Westgate and Northgate, and the location of Southgate is reasonably well established. Bastions are known to have existed.Occupation has been shown to continue into the late 4th century and possibly beyond. |