Iron Age settlement discovered in Devon is 'most significant Roman discovery for decades'

Archaeologists now working at the site in Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot

It followed discovery of coins dating back to 117BC

Several round houses, a Roman road and pottery also discovered



An Iron Age settlement discovered in Devon has been described as one of the most significant Roman discoveries in the country for decades.

Archaeologists are currently working at the site in Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot, following the discovery of coins dating back to 117BC.

Several round houses, a Roman road and a square enclosure ditch have since been discovered. along with fragments of pottery, including imported items from Spain.

Interesting: An Iron Age settlement discovered in Devon has been described as one of the most significant Roman discoveries in the country for decades

Fascinating: Archaeologists are currently working at the site in Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot, following the discovery of coins dating back to 117BC

Find: Several round houses, a Roman road and a square enclosure ditch have since been discovered along with fragments of pottery, including imported items from Spain

As reported by the Western Morning News, there is also evidence of human activity after the discovery of Bronze Age pottery and flint flak

The initial discovery of Roman coins were found in fields about four years ago by local metal detector enthusiasts Jim Wills and Dennis Hewings.



An excavation has now begun which is hoped will allow archaeologists to understand the nature of the settlement.

Speaking to the BBC, Sam Moorhead, from the British Museum, said he believed the site was 'one of the most significant Roman discoveries in the country for many decades'.



Interesting: Evidence of human activity has been found at the site, including Bronze Age pottery



Historic: A man working at the site inspects the area

Learning: Archaeologists are keen to understand the nature of the settlement during the excavation

Archaeologist Danielle Wootton said about 40 local volunteers are helping at the excavation site.



'The bit we've excavated at the moment is prehistoric - it's Iron Age - but we have picked up traces of some Roman Romano-British field boundaries,' she told the BBC.



'It's probably going to take us a very long time for us to fully understand the nature of the settlement and how long it was occupied for.'

Fortunate: The initial discovery of Roman coins were found in fields about four years ago by local metal detector enthusiasts Jim Wills and Dennis Hewings

Excitement: About 40 local volunteers are helping at the excavation site

Important: This map shows the location of the site

Mr Wills and Mr Hewings have also been highly praised for recording in detail every scrap of metal which they found at the site.

It is hoped the discovery will significantly contribute to understanding of life in Britain during the time of the Roman Empire.

Members of the public will be able to look around part of the settlement excavation site tomorrow.