Remains unearthed in Southwell 'could be Roman temple'

London, April 19 (ANI): Archaeologists have unearthed what they say could be the remains of an unknown Roman temple in Nottinghamshire.

Walls, ditches and ornate stones were revealed after excavations on the Minster C of E School site in Southwell between September 2008 and May 2009.

Ursilla Spence from Nottinghamshire County Council, the archaeologist who supervised the work, and colleagues say their analysis of the shape and quality of the remains suggest it could have been an important place of worship.

This could mean Southwell enjoyed a high status Roman Britain, the researchers added.

A wall of large block masonry that was probably plastered and possibly painted, with a ditch that may have contained water, was possibly the boundary of a large temple.

The researchers also discovered the remains of timber scaffolding for the wall. Radiocarbon dating of this dated it to the first century.

Spence said a lack of domestic remains, like pots and tools, also indicated a ceremonial use.

"This is a fascinating site. But, so far, it has raised more questions than it has answered," the BBC quoted her as saying.

"I hope that future excavation work, when the site is developed, will throw more light on exactly what was going on here 2,000 years ago.

"But, whatever we might find in future, I believe we have already shown that Roman Southwell was a much more significant place than anyone previously thought," she added. (ANI)