Archaeologists conducting excavations along a new railway line in eastern England have discovered a rare coin from 287AD depicting the Roman usurper Carausius.
Excavations are ongoing at 1,000 trial trenches in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire along a planned East West railway line connecting Oxford, Bedford and Cambridge. Researchers are looking to build a detailed record of what lies underneath and help preserve archaeological heritage wherever possible.
They have already unearthed several ancient artefacts, including Roman coins and pottery and a Late Iron Age jar.
Among the latest discoveries is a coin from 1,740 years ago bearing the name “Emperor Carausius”.
Carausius commanded a Roman fleet in the English Channel called “Classis Britannica”. He escaped to Britain and established an independent state after he was accused of embezzling captured pirate loot and Emperor Maximian ordered his execution.
The usurper declared himself Emperor of Britain and northern Gaul, establishing an independent state which he ruled from 286AD to 293AD. He was eventually murdered by his own finance minister, Allectus.
“Every discovery helps build a richer picture of the people who once lived here,” said archaeology survey manager Joss Piper-Jarrett.
“When you’re excavating these features, you’re often the first person to see them in 2,000 years, sometimes even longer, which is a really special feeling. It’s pretty amazing.”
Another Roman coin discovered during the excavations was dated to the 2nd century. It was likely minted under Emperor Antoninus Pius or Marcus Aurelius.
Archaeologists also unearthed a handmade rilled jar made of a fine shell and grog-tempered fabric dating to between 50BC and 50AD in the Late Iron Age.
Archaeologists plan to conduct excavations at 6,000 sites along the East West Rail route over a span of two years. “It’s a really exciting time for the project because this programme represents an important step in helping us better understand the historic environment while continuing to progress East West Rail responsibly,” programme manager Jorn Pace said.
“By carrying out targeted investigations informed by detailed surveys, we can reduce unnecessary disturbance and ensure we take a careful approach to both the environment and the communities around us.”
After the excavations are over, the artefacts will be cleaned, analysed, recorded, and added to the archaeological archive.
