Alauna, Roman fort archaeological site in Maryport, England
Alauna is a Roman fort in Maryport whose ruins include military structures, civilian settlements, and a Roman road extending from the northern gate. The site occupies a coastal ridge with expansive views toward the Solway Firth and Scotland beyond.
The fort was built around 122 AD during Emperor Hadrian's reign and served as a command center for coastal defense. Archaeological research has since revealed evidence of an earlier, larger fort and a Roman port that once occupied this location.
The Senhouse Roman Museum displays stone altars discovered here, bearing inscriptions that reveal the names of military commanders and the religious practices of the soldiers stationed at this fort.
The site sits on a coastal ridge that is straightforward to walk around, with clear views across the landscape. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven ground.
Geophysical surveys conducted from 2000 to 2003 uncovered evidence of an earlier, larger fort buried beneath the current ruins. This discovery demonstrates that the location held strategic importance across different periods of Roman coastal control.
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