Cataractonium, Roman archaeological site in Catterick, England
Cataractonium is a Roman settlement near Catterick where excavations revealed the layout of a military and civilian community. Defensive walls, roads, and building foundations are spread across both sides of the River Swale.
The initial fort was built around 70 CE to support Roman military operations in northern Britain. Over time the settlement grew beyond its military purpose and became an important trading center in the region.
Altars found here suggest that residents worshipped multiple gods, while theatrical masks hint that entertainment was part of daily life. These objects reveal how people spent their time beyond basic survival.
Much of the site remains under modern roads and agricultural land, though some areas have been fully excavated and documented. It is helpful to visit with a guide or map to understand which areas contain the most evidence of the original settlement.
Archaeologists found unusual pendant charms in the grave of an infant, objects that are rarely discovered in Roman burial sites across Britain. These talismans suggest that families performed special rituals for their youngest members.
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