#calleva

Two pieces of a marble Roman sign have been reunited after being discovered more than 100 years apart.

The relic was destroyed 2,000 years ago in a settlement known as Calleva in Silchester that is being excavated by University of Reading archaeologists.

A fragment, inscribed with the letters "AT", was found in 1891. A corresponding piece, with says "BA", was found 10m (33ft) away in 2013.

They partly form "Atrebates", the name of a French tribe.

Its people are thought to have founded the settlement, now the site of an archaeological dig in modern-day Hampshire.

Joining dots and crossing over

I always like to start a new year somewhere high up with a good strong wind. Yesterday, it was a particular stretch of the Ridgeway (one of England’s most ancient routes) that I hadn’t walked before, being mostly familiar with the section near to the Uffington White Horse and the long barrow known as Wayland’s Smithy or the portion above Goring and Streatley…and yes it was blowing quite nicely!

Stater of King Tincomarus of the Atrebates tribe, Calleva mint, Britannia c. 25 BC - AD 7

TINC is inscribed on a rectangular tablet with C-A above and below. On the reverse is the winged head of Medusa, a pair of snakes knotted below the chin and two large snakes descending on either side of the face.

The Atrebates were a Belgic tribe of Gaul and Britain. Tincomarus succeeded his father Commius as king around 25-20 BC. Based on coin distribution it is possible that Tincomarus ruled in collaboration with his father for the last few years of Commius’ life. Much more is known about Commius than Tincomarus. While Commius was still a chief of the Atrebates in Gaul, Julius Caesar used him as the go between with his British counterparts while he planned his invasion of Britain in 55 BC. However, Commius betrayed Caesar by supporting Vercingetorix, chief of the Arverni in Gaul, in his revolt against Rome.  When the rebellion failed Commius fled to Britain where he became king of the Atrebates based in Calleva.

The site of Calleva eventually became known as Calleva Atrebatum after the conquest of Britain in 43 AD. The ruins are located in Silchester, Hampshire, England.