"Spectacular!": Earliest Evidence of Christianity in Roman Britain Unearthed in "Pompeii of the North"

News Release : Jul 24, 2014
Durham County Council

"These findings are hugely significant as they are virtually in-tact and present a graphic illustration of life under the Roman Empire. They are so stunning and spectacular that we can claim we have our very own "Pompeii of the north" right on our doorstep." -Dr. David Mason

(The UK) - Excavations at a Roman site in County Durham have revealed the "Pompeii of the North", say archaeologists. The following are excerpts from their find:

The spectacular discoveries at Binchester Roman Fort near Bishop Auckland have uncovered some of the most well preserved remnants of an empire dating back some 1800 years ago, including one of the earliest pieces of evidence for Christianity in Roman Britain in the shape of a silver ring. (Photo courtesy: Durham University and Binchester Research Project)

The archaeologists have discovered a bath house with seven-foot high walls, which were once covered with brightly covered painted designs, and the original floor, doorways and window openings...

Dr. David Mason, principal archaeologist, Durham County Council, said: "These findings are hugely significant as they are virtually in-tact and present a graphic illustration of life under the Roman Empire. They are so stunning and spectacular that we can claim we have our very own "Pompeii of the north" right on our doorstep."

The excavation project, now in its sixth year, is a joint venture between archaeologists at Durham County Council, Durham University, the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland and several American universities.

Project coordinator, Dr. David Petts, lecturer in archaeology at Durham University, said: "Our excavations have uncovered parts of one of the best preserved Roman buildings in Britain. The building itself and the wonderful array of artifacts we have recovered from Binchester give us an unparalleled opportunity to better understand life on the northern frontier in the Roman period.

"For example, the altar is a reminder that bath houses were about more than keeping clean and exercising and were actually social centers – a bit like our modern day leisure centers.

"The most unique feature of these remains is the sheer scale of their preservation. It is possible to walk through a series of Roman rooms with walls all above head height; this is pretty exceptional for Roman Britain."