Kiwi Visitors To Help With Historic Excavations

Opportunity For Kiwi Visitors To Help With Historic Excavations

Vindolanda, the historic Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall in North East England, has revealed its 2008 findings and Kiwis are encouraged to join travellers from around the world at this iconic site in 2009 to discover their own slice of history.

Excavations at the Vindolanda settlement carried out by The Vindolanda Trust in 2008 have uncovered various artifacts including a silver ring inscribed with MATRI PATRI (meaning to Mum and Dad), and a portable altar dedicated to a Syrian goddess which excavators hope will assist in determining a timeline of the Wall’s history.

Three important stone inscriptions were recovered, as well as a fragment of a Roman perpetual calendar in bronze, the first to be found in Britain. It showed how soldiers could keep track of the dates without the benefits of modern technology.

A section of the main road linking the fort with the vicus (a provincial civilian settlement) has also been uncovered virtually intact. The road, laid with large flagstones, now acts as a path for visitors to view ongoing excavations.

Two food storage buildings (granaries) have also been uncovered, and are believed to have been used by the Roman garrison (troops) throughout Hadrian’s reign. There is evidence of a great fire which excavators believe occurred during the final withdrawal of the garrison.

Evidence of the fire is still visible today on the floor of the western most building as flagstones were heavily burnt and cracked by the intense heat of flames.

What makes the excavation unique at Vindolanda is the public participation, as each year the site enlists the help of over 500 visitors to support the Trust by participating in excavations. Again in 2009, from early April to mid September, visitors are encouraged to participate.

“Hadrian’s Wall is but one of the unique, world-class attractions found within North East England,” says Stacy Hall, Director of Communications & Tourism at One North East.

“At Vindolanda, visitors can expect to discover a heritage dating back to Roman times that will excite the senses and we encourage those that have an interest in history to get their hands dirty in 2009,” added Stacy.

One of the most remarkable Roman monuments in North East England, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 117km’s from Wallsend near Newcastle upon Tyne in the east, to Bowness on Solway in the west.

Hadrian’s Wall was built along the rugged landscapes of Northumberland in North East England for defensive purposes and these lands have changed little in 1800 years, giving visitors the chance to be taken back in time and truly experience what it may have been like for the Roman troops who patrolled the Wall and lived in settlements like Vindolanda.

Throughout the summer months, visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle the length of the Wall, stopping to discover the rich heritage seen at the eight forts along the way.

There are a number of day trips and tours to Hadrian’s Wall, and with various accommodation options including Bed and Breakfasts to self-catering Cottages, Camping and Caravans to Hotels, including the popular 4 star Matfen Hall which is adjacent to its own golf course; visitors can take as long as they like to discover Northumberland.

For more information on Vindolanda or to register to take part in the 2009 excavations, go to www.vindolanda.com. There is even a web forum set up for budding excavators at www.wedigvindolanda.com

To find out more about the region and discover a unique place to stay, visit www.northeastengland.co.nz

ENDS

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