God said: ‘Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw it was good. ….
Genesis 1: 9,10
We are looking across these green fields from one side of a circular Roman wall towards the East Gate near the 12th century church of St Mary all in the distance. There are seven gates. Imagine a thriving Roman town of 400,000 meters squared, all surrounded by a wall. Archaeologists from Reading University have been able to look at it after 1, 500 years without the annoyance of anything built over it or it being reoccupied. It was abandoned in the 6th/7th century.Looking at the path running along the base of the wall.It is estimated that 40 ,000 cubic meters of construction material was used for the walls.The levelling course is greensand and limestone blocks sauced from as far away as Bath-Cirencester. This shows how important the project was as normally ceramic tiles are cheaper and more local.The path above the wall walking in close contact with the greys of sharp flint stone faces, weathered by time and softened with lichen. An appreciated blending in on this grey filled day.Look through winter brown to see a sea of foaming snow drops. Spring.Not for its detail but its blotch of sunshine yellow. Yellow on grey.Fiercely holding on to a few seeds. Heads held up to the sky through a harsh winter. Brambles weathered. Patiently waiting for spring.Looking through new fresh green shoots at a space that held: public baths, an administrative centre, a rest- house and amphitheatre, several small temples and possibly a Christian Church. A map with the lay out of the town.
Then in the Reading Museum we can complete our picture of this lively Roman town with artifacts.
Keys of all sizes and shapes.ToolsMosaic floorsA small section of a whole.Roman floor showing intricate designs. It is such a privilege to look into the lives of people living creative, full lives. Comfortable and prosperous in their country until the Black death came along.
Here are some sayings about walls:
It is not the walls that make the city, but the people who live within them.
George VI (1895- 1952 King of the United Kingdom 1936-1952)
Every sensitive person carries in themselves old cities enclosed by ancient walls.
Robert Walser (1878 – 1956 German speaking Swiss writer.)
Don’t spend time beating on a wall hoping to transform it into a door.
Coco Chanel (1883 – 1971 French Fashion Designer and business woman.If you are interested in Coco Chanel’s life google The Disturbing Story of Coco Chanel.
Fascinating! Romans left a good amount of things for us to explore Build to last as well! I love the saying by Robert Walser and the mosaic floor have stunning designs So intricate and well preserved
The mosaic creations are beautiful! And those are some crazy keys, never seen the likes of some of them.
The keys are intriguing. I wonder what they opened? It was a good visit.
Fascinating! Romans left a good amount of things for us to explore Build to last as well! I love the saying by Robert Walser and the mosaic floor have stunning designs So intricate and well preserved
Yes, the Romans have left some well made homely things for us to enjoy. I am always so impressed. Glad to share.
This is so interesting. Mike and I love ruins and learning the history behind them. Thank you for sharing this, Sandy!
My pleasure. So glad you find historical places like this interesting. Roy and I do too.
Such an interesting post. Wish I’d become an archeologist. “Every sensitive person carries in themselves old cities enclosed by ancient walls.” 👌
Archaeologists in heaven? What do you think!? 🙂Much love and take good care!
What a cool place! I really enjoyed those mosaic floors. Oh the things they have seen!
Yes, now there could be a story🤣🤣🤣! A lot of research into Roman life.
It’s such a fascinating time period! I’d love to dive into the history of a place like that with both feet.