Amazing photos of Northamptonshire Roman settlement found on HS2 dig (Photo Gallery)
300 coins and a well were unearthed at what would have been "bustling and busy" trading centre
See these amazing photos of a Roman settlement found during an HS2 dig in Northamptonshire.
Archaeologists discovered the "extraordinary" site near Chipping Warden while working on the huge rail project.
Over the past year, a team of around 80 archaeologists from MOLA Headland Infrastructure have been excavating an Iron Age village that developed into a wealthy Roman trading town.
The presence of such a significant archaeological site in the area has been known since the 18th century, but the scale and quality of the discoveries have "surpassed expectations" according to experts.
Known as Blackgrounds after the soil found there, the settlement began in the Iron Age when it was a village formed of over 30 roundhouses - uncovered alongside an Iron Age road.
Evidence from the dig shows that the settlement expanded over time becoming more prosperous during the Roman period, with new stone buildings roads emerging.
Considering the close proximity of the Iron Age remains, the archaeological team believe it is likely local inhabitants continued to live at the site into the Roman period and adapted to a new way of life.
This "Romanisation" included taking on customs, products and building techniques.
Running through the site is a 10m wide Roman road which is "exceptional in its size" and indicates the settlement would have been very busy with carts coming and going.
Over 300 Roman coins, either lost or discarded, have been recovered - indicating a significant volume of commerce was passing through the area.
Foundations have been uncovered of buildings used for domestic purposes, as well as more industrial practices.
There is also evidence of workshops, kilns and several beautifully preserved wells, uncovered by archaeologists.
In one area of the site, the earth has been preserved a fiery red colour and would have been used for activities such as bread making, foundries for metalwork or a pottery kiln.
James West, MOLA site manager, said: "This is certainly one of the most impressive sites MOLA Headland Infrastructure has discovered whilst working on the HS2 scheme.
"A particular highlight for me has been understanding the emerging story of Blackgrounds, which we now know spans multiple time periods.
"Uncovering such a well-preserved and large Roman road, as well as so many high quality finds has been extraordinary and tells us so much about the people who lived here.
"The site really does have the potential to transform our understanding of the Roman landscape in the region and beyond.”
See below for the extraordinary photos of the Roman settlement.