Charterhouse (Roman city)

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Remnants of ancient metal mining

In the modern hamlet of Charterhouse-on-Mendip, northeast of Cheddar in Somerset , are the remains of a Roman city in the province of Britannia ( Britain ), which merged with the newly established province of Britannia in the fourth century . The ancient name of the city is uncertain; Vebriacum and Iscalis have been suggested . The remains of the city extend to an area of ​​around 500 × 300 meters.

The place has not yet been explored further, but extensive earthen walls, which cover an area of ​​around twelve hectares, indicate extensive development and industry. The economic importance of the city goes back to the lead and silver mines that were exploited here in prehistoric times . These metals were processed in the city.

In the south of the village there are the remains of a fort, which may have been used for military purposes, but may also have been a protected storage area for the metal extracted here. In the east there are the remains of an amphitheater , which impressively underlines the former importance of the place. Three Roman inscriptions come from the place, including two tombstones and a building inscription with a dedication to Emperor Caracalla :

For the salvation of our Lord, Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus [son of] the divine Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax Parthicus Adiabenicus [...]

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Coordinates: 51 ° 18 ′ 8.2 "  N , 2 ° 42 ′ 54"  W.