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Stane Street: Ancient Roman Road and Its Impact on Britain

An old Roman route, Stane Street links Londinium (present-day London) to Noviomagus Reginorum (present-day Chichester) around 55 miles. Constructed in the first century AD, this technical wonder still epitomises Roman strategic forethought and accuracy. Roman Britain was greatly shaped by its path, intended to enable the flow of troops, trade, and knowledge.

Key Details About Stane Street

FeatureDetails
Length55 miles
Start PointLondinium (London)
End PointNoviomagus Reginorum (Chichester)
Construction Date1st Century AD
PurposeMilitary, trade, and communication
Key EngineeringFlint and gravel foundation with stone slabs
Modern UseWalking and cycling routes

The Building and Use of Stane Street

Stane Street stood evidence of Roman construction. Built on a flint and gravel basis and covered with painstakingly fitted stone slabs, it offered a robust surface fit for heavy traffic. The Romans deliberately avoided difficult terrain like Leith Hill by running the route via natural gaps, like the River Mole valley, therefore avoiding steep ascents.

Important Goals

  • Military: The route allowed effective troop mobility to guard Roman power against upheavals.
  • Trade and Industry: It helped the nearby economy by enabling the transportation of luxury products, wine, and ceramics as well as other items.
  • Transmission of messages between London and the south coast depended much on Stane Street.

Especially noteworthy characteristics along Stane Street

Posting Stations (Mansiones)

Roman highways such as Stane Street included regular intervals for resting passengers and changing horses, with mansiones, or posting stations. Along Stane Street, key mansiones included:

  • Alfoldean Mansio: Excavations near the River Arun turned up a two-storey courtyard villa thought to be the administrative hub for the iron sector in the area.
  • Another mansio serving travellers and messengers close to a river crossing is Hardham.

Roman Villas and Residences

  • Near Stane Street, Bignor Roman Villa is well-known for its mosaic flooring and provides window into Roman family life.

Change and Legacy of Stane Street

The strategic value of Stane Street started to fade by the end of the second century AD. Mansiones like Hardham lost use, and by the third century other paths like the Chichester-Winchester road were increasingly important. Post-Roman government saw the route partially mined for resources, and in other places degradation and flooding rendered it inaccessible.

Though it was declining, Stane Street shaped the construction of mediaeval roads and towns; many of the contemporary trails follow their original direction.

Important Locations Near Stane Street

Londinium, London

The administrative and financial centre of Roman Britain was Stane Street, Londinium. Discover surviving Roman city ruins including the Amphitheatre and London Wall.

Alfoldoan

A significant mansio close to Slinfold nowadays, where archaeologists found remains of Roman iron manufacture and fortified buildings.

Bignor Roman Villa

Situated close to Stane Street’s midpoint, this villa features some of the most well-preserved Roman mosaics in Britain, illustrating scenes of daily life and mythology.

Chichester, sometimes known as Noviomagus Reginorum

Stane Street’s terminal in Chichester was a significant Roman port town. Among the main attractions are the Roman walls and the Chichester Museum, which features locally produced objects.

Looking at Stane Street Right Now

Following sections of Stane Street on foot or by bike, modern visitors can personally experience its historical importance. Important stretches of the road have been kept intact and combined with local walking paths.

Guide for Investigating

  • Start Points: For a whole historical experience, start your road from London or Chichester.
  • Many of the walks along Stane Street wind through historic sites and beautiful landscapes.
  • Join guided trips to discover more about the road’s past and Roman influence.

Value of Stane Street

For Roman Britain, Stane Street was a lifeline not merely a thoroughfare. Its building helped Roman influence to spread, promoted trade, and prepared the way for later infrastructure. Its remains today are a physical link to a time that moulded the basis of contemporary Britain.

For both history buffs and explorers, Stane Street is a must-visit since modern guests can engage with the inventiveness and heritage of Roman engineering by strolling or riding along its paths.

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