Caistor Roman Town (Venta Icenorum)
About Caistor Roman town
Summary
Reconstruction of how Caistor Roman Town may have looked in the 4th century AD, showing the settlement's temple. © Daniel Voisey.
The Roman town of Venta Icenorum (which means market-place of the Iceni) is situated to the south of the city of Norwich, close to where the Tas, Yare and Wensum rivers meet. It is generally thought that the town was established following the failure of a revolt by the Iceni tribe led by Queen Boudica in AD 61, when the Romans took full control of the land of the Iceni who had previously been friendly towards them.
Further information
Origins of the name
The name Venta Icenorum is preserved in a 3rd-century document known as the Antonine Itinerary, while the Roman writer Ptolemy also refers to a place called Venta in the 2nd century AD.
Origins of the town
The origins of the town may lie in a military base dating to the period immediately following the rebellion. It is likely that this base was placed on the site of an earlier settlement, although this continues to be source of debate. A street plan was laid out perhaps in the late 1st century AD, and public buildings were erected during the 2nd century AD.
These included a forum (square or market place) and basilica (the political heart of the town) together with at least two temples and a bath-house. The wall circuit, which remains the site’s most visible feature, was probably built in the 3rd century, and enclosed a much smaller area than that which was covered by the original street plan.
Fate of the town
The fate of Venta Icenorum following the end of Roman rule in Britain in the 5th century is unclear. The discovery of significant Anglo-Saxon cemeteries to the north, south-east and west of the town, together with concentrations of 7th and 8th century material to the west of the Tas, shows continued occupation of the area.
A site guidebook, “Venta Icenorum”, by John Davies, is published by Norfolk Archaeological Trust and can be purchased from Stoke Holy Cross Post Office, the Norwich Castle Museum shop and most bookshops.
Related pages on this website
External links
Norfolk Archaeological Trust: Caistor Roman Town
A detailed discussion of the site and its history from the Norfolk Archaeological Trust, one of the partners in this research project. The Trust's website also has a detailed further reading list on the Roman town.
Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Services
Visit the website for more information on displays and educational resources (www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk).
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Countryside and Heritage Development Manager |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | lcc@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533945 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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