EXETER, England, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The discovery of a Roman settlement in Devon in western Britain suggests Roman civilization extended farther than history books have it, archaeologists say.

University of Exeter archaeologists have uncovered the largest Roman settlement ever found in Devon, a discovery they say could rewrite the history of the Romans in Britain.


The discover in a field several miles west of Exeter of a huge settlement including roundhouses, quarry pits and track ways was unexpected since it was always believed Roman influence never extended so far west into Devon on the southwest peninsula of Britain, a university release said Friday.

"It is the beginning of a process that promises to transform our understanding of the Roman invasion and occupation of Devon," Sam Moorhead of the British Museum said of the discovery.

"I believe we may even find more settlements in this area in the next few years."