ANCIENT ROMAN ROAD DISCOVERED UNDER SCHOOLYARD IN ENGLISH VILLAGE
History can appear hazy and far away. It can be not easy to picture scenes from ordinary life in the past. However, this year history came to life for a few fortunate classes of kids in England. Located in Oxfordshire, England, the Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Primary School is a quaint little village. It features playgrounds that are typical for kid-friendly events. They had no idea that they were playing football on the edge of history. A Roman road was discovered beneath the field by surveys conducted in December 2023, and subsequent excavations have unearthed a fragment of Roman history. In the meantime, the school's students have received an exciting history lesson that puts them up close and personal with Roman artefacts.
The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society and the Brightwell Village History Group collaborated to investigate the field's potential. Test pits and surveys increased the potential. History buffs had long suspected that the region was traversed by an ancient Roman road. In the summer, excavations started, revealing a road that runs through the field. The road is two layers of cobblestone, with a newer layer paved above the older one.
According to Brightwell Village History Group member Jason Debney, "It's believed to be one of the first roads in England from 43 CE, which is the year the Romans invaded," as he told the Oxford Mail.
"I've frequently found them gathered round the fence having a watch, seeing what's going on, looking at the artefacts and what's been dug up, or just asking questions," Potts added in his observation. The children themselves valued the unique opportunity, and the archaeologists were obviously delighted with the children's company and excitement.