Isca Dumnoniorum

Isca Dumnoniorum is the ancient name of Exeter ( Devonian ) in Britain . It was the capital of the Celtic tribe of the Dumnonians .

The place seems to have had no meaning in pre-Roman times. The Romans may have set up a small military camp here after conquering the province , although this is controversial. Around 55 AD the camp of the Legio II Augusta was set up on the site of the later city . However, this camp was given up again shortly before 80 AD and the place was raised to the civitas of the Dumnonians.

The city now received the usual buildings, such as a forum , a basilica and a bath, other public buildings could not yet be located. Isca Dumnoniorum also received a city map with streets intersecting at right angles. An aqueduct supplied the city with water from the north . In the second half of the second century, the town was finally given city walls, which enclosed an area about twice the size of the legionary camp .

Little is known of the residential development. In the first and second centuries most houses were probably made of wood, it was not until the third century that they were increasingly replaced by stone ones. Only from the fourth century there are more sophisticated buildings with mosaics .

The city appears to have existed into the fifth century and beyond. Above all Welsh and Irish Celts came to this area until the city was conquered by the Saxons at the end of the seventh century .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Stephen R. Cosh, David S. Neal: Roman Mosaics of Britain, Volume II, South-West Britain , Barham, London 2005 ISBN 978-09547916-1-2 , pp. 55-60.

literature

• John Wacher: The Towns of Roman Britain. Routledge, London / New York 1997, ISBN 0-415-17041-9 , pp. 335-343.

Web links

Commons : Isca Dumnoniorum  - collection of images, videos and audio files

• Isca Dumnoniorum (Eng.)

Coordinates: 50 ° 43 '19.2 "  N , 3 ° 32' 2.4"  W.