Roman head discovered during the Carlisle dig!

The “Uncovering Roman Carlisle” project has recently made an exciting discovery at the Carlisle Cricket Club in northern England: a beautifully carved Roman stone head. This find marks the third of its kind unearthed at the site, following the discovery of two similar heads last year.

A Glimpse into the Past

The stone head, which measures around 18 cm by 13 cm, appears to depict a woman. Its intricately styled hair resembles that of Empress Julia Domna, suggesting that it dates back to between 193 and 211 AD. This unique piece was found in the southern section of a large Roman building, close to where the cremated remains of a young woman were discovered.

Since the excavation began in 2021, the site has yielded more than 4,000 Roman artefacts, including coins, military relics, fragments of painted wall plaster, and even a rare Roman doll’s foot. Lead archaeologist Frank Giecco, Technical Director at Wardell Armstrong, expressed his astonishment at the wealth of finds, describing the site as "one of the most significant on the Roman frontier."

Photo Credit: Frank Giecco

The Historical Context of the Site

Located near the ancient Roman fort of Uxelodunum (also known as Petriana), this site once housed the prestigious Ala Petriana, a cavalry unit of 1,000 soldiers. This fort played a crucial role in controlling the region west of Carlisle and guarding an important crossing over the River Eden. The proximity of the fort to a monumental bathhouse suggests the area may have served multiple purposes: as a social hub, military headquarters, or even a Thermae complex, which combined various social, religious, and administrative functions.

Community Engagement and Ongoing Excavation

The “Uncovering Roman Carlisle” project is more than just an archaeological dig; it's a community initiative that has attracted hundreds of volunteers and visitors, including local school groups. The site offers daily tours, giving the public a unique opportunity to witness the ongoing excavation and connect with the area’s rich Roman heritage.

The current phase of excavation, running from 21 September to 20 October, focuses on expanding the exploration of the monumental structure to the south. Alongside the stone head and cremation urn, archaeologists have uncovered a large building filled with military artefacts, animal bones, and two intact Roman beakers—likely used as funeral offerings. The building itself is now estimated to be around 50 metres by 60 metres in size.

A Remarkable Find

Mr. Giecco highlighted the significance of the newly discovered head, noting its exquisite craftsmanship, which contrasts with the larger and more imposing heads found last year. These previous discoveries, believed to represent Roman gods, were likely part of statues that once stood up to 15 feet tall.

The continuous unearthing of such remarkable artefacts at Carlisle not only deepens our understanding of Roman Britain but also brings to life the stories of those who lived on the empire’s northern frontier. As the dig progresses, we can only anticipate what other secrets this ancient site might reveal.