Further information

The course of the River Tas

The river runs along the eastern and northern edges of the site, flowing from south to north. Due to the process of erosion, the river today looks very different to how it would have looked during Roman rule.

How was the River Tas used by the Romans?

The town's public baths were the greatest users of water from the river, and the sloping of the ground aided the drainage of waste water.

The river was also an important transportation link, enabling small and medium sized boats to carry food and other valuable products between locations in and around Norfolk, through a network of interconnecting waterways.

Using the river as a defence

The Tas also had a defensive role for the town of Venta Icenorum, protecting its northern and western sides. However, the river also posed a threat, as if the coastal forts were defeated, enemy boats could sail straight to Venta, which is one of the reasons why the decision was made to build the massive town walls.

Related pages on this website

• Caistor Roman Town educational resources
• Life under the Romans