The Saxons

The Saxons were a Germanic people of the region north of the Elbe River stretching from Holstein (in modern-day Germany) to the North Sea. The Saxons who migrated to Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries CE along with the Angles, Frisians, and Jutes came to be known as Anglo-Saxons to differentiate them from those on the continent.

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Roman Oyster Processing Site Discovered in Yorkshire

The recent discovery of a Roman oyster processing site in Yorkshire has shed light on ancient culinary traditions. Unearthed during a major coastal re-alignment scheme, this finding highlights the Roman's sophisticated tastes and the historical significance of oysters in their diet.  

The Remarkable Discovery

During the last three years, the Environment Agency has been working on re-aligning sea defences along the north bank of the Humber Estuary to create 250 hectares of new wet grasslands, salt marshes, and mudflats. This project aims to provide new habitats for wildlife and enhance flood protection for local communities. As part of this initiative, a series of archaeological excavations funded exploring the historical significance of this region. A team from York Archaeology uncovered what they believe to be a Roman oyster processing centre near an early Roman settlement. The site, located just south of Weeton, near Hull, contained large quantities of misshapen oyster shells. Large quantities of misshapen oyster shells were found, pointing to the oysters having grown naturally on a reef rather than being farmed. This suggests the area was likely a Roman processing site where they prepared oysters harvested from the Humber Estuary.  

Roman oyster shells. Photo by Derby Museums Trust. Wikimedia.   The Roman Appetite for Oysters The Romans highly prized oysters, with some historical accounts suggesting oysters played a key part in Julius Caesar's decision to invade the British Isles. The Romans exported many of these oysters to Italy, with reports indicating that Roman Emperors valued them so highly they paid for them by their weight in gold.   Jennifer Morrison, Senior Archaeologist for the Environment Agency, remarked, “It was truly amazing to find the evidence of this early oyster processing site during our dig. We know that, at this time, oysters would have been plentiful and that they were a staple part of the diet." "British oysters were prized by the Romans, and it is quite possible that some of these oysters found their way back to Italy.”   Oysters: A Key to Modern Environmental Efforts Today, oysters are recognized for their environmental benefits, including their ability to filter water and improve marine ecosystems. Furthermore, as part of the Wilder Humber partnership, a collaboration between Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and Orsted, efforts are underway to reintroduce native oysters to the Humber Estuary. In turn, these oysters help protect the coastline from erosion by stabilizing the seabed and absorbing wave energy. The project plans to reintroduce over half a million native oysters to the estuary by 2028, sourcing them from sustainable aquaculture and carefully reintroducing them to suitable areas. This initiative not only aims to restore marine biodiversity but also improve the estuary's resilience to climate change impacts like rising sea levels and storm surges.  

Exterior of the Hedon Museum. Photo by the Hedon Museum.   Exhibition and Public Engagement To share these exciting discoveries with the public, an exhibition titled "Holderness Histories – ‘A Flight Through Time’" is running at Hedon Museum in Hedon, near Hull. This exhibition, organized by the Environment Agency and York Archaeology, showcases not only the archaeological artefacts but also provides insights into the ongoing work by the Environment Agency to re-align the sea defences and create vital wildlife habitats on the Humber estuary. The exhibition is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering visitors a chance to learn more about the Roman and medieval finds, as well as the environmental efforts to restore the Humber Estuary.  

Importance of the Discovery

The discovery of the Roman oyster processing site offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Roman way of life and their sophisticated culinary preferences. It also underscores the historical continuity of oyster consumption and their environmental importance. This connection between historical and modern uses of oysters highlights the ongoing relevance of sustainable practices in preserving both cultural heritage and natural ecosystems.   Roman and Modern Oyster Processing Aspect Roman Times Modern Efforts Purpose Culinary delicacy, trade Environmental restoration, biodiversity Methods Natural reef harvesting, processing Sustainable aquaculture, reintroduction Historical Significance Valued by Roman Emperors Key species for marine ecosystem health Geographic Focus Humber Estuary Humber Estuary Archaeological Findings Processing site, misshapen shells Restoration projects, environmental impact   Final Thoughts The archaeological excavation funded by the Environment Agency has not only unearthed a significant Roman site but also linked historical practices to modern environmental efforts. The reintroduction of native oysters to the Humber Estuary reflects a blend of preserving historical heritage while promoting sustainable ecological practices. The continued exploration and understanding of these sites provide invaluable insights into both our past and future. For more current information on the excavation and the Wilder Humber project, visit the Hedon Museum website.   Sources: THX News & Environment Agency. Read the full article

As we move through the Middle Ages, we'll cover the rise of the English monarchy, the Magna Carta, the Black Death, and the Hundred Years' War. We'll then explore the Tudor dynasty, the English Reformation, and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Entering the 17th and 18th centuries, we'll discuss the Union of the Crowns, the English Civil War, the Glorious Revolution, and the formation of the United Kingdom. We'll then cover the In

MERMAID: witchcraft, a stone circle, a castle and a love story. FIREFLIES: kidnapping, friendship and chocolate! SISTERS: ancient battle, neurodiversity and forbidden romance. Paperbacks & kindle: author.to/mermaid #KindleUnlimited #HistoricalFiction #books #bookstagram #ukbookstagram #romance #witchcraft #romanbritain #reading #readersgonnaread #readers #fiction #novels #scottishbooks #scottishbookstagram (at Aberdeenshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Crm-tH9oH2D/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Three of my favourite metal detecting finds I found in a shoe box of junk at Newark antiques fair recently. I’m hoping to use them in my work by taking a mold for ceramic reproduction. In researching the snakes head in particular (likely a bracelet end - Identifying Metallic Small Finds - Michael J. Cuddeford 1992) I came across an exciting blog post about Snake Jewellery in Roman Lincolnshire by Dr. Anthony Lee where they map out the discovery of Snake design rings and bracelets in the Lincolnshire area. Coincidently there is a concentration of finds around Ancaster, Sleaford and Sapperton, right on my own doorstep following the route of the High Dyke Roman road that is perpendicular to the end of my road. I’ve included the map (3rd image) from the blogpost (romanlincolnshire.wordpress.com). It seems Lincolnshire produced an array of snake design rings and bracelets during the Roman era possibly for amuletic properties such as portable healing or to invoke classical or local deities. . . . #romanjewelry #snakeheadbracelet #metaldetecting #metaldetectingfinds #lincolnshire #archeologylovers #romanamulet #metaldetectinguk #snakeend #romanlincolnshire #drantonylee #romanbritain #losttreasure (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2mBcxoLS6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My new book, The Shieldmaiden's Honour - The Song of Britain, Volume 9 - is out now on Amazon. Link in bio! . . . #histfic #historicalfiction #newbook #novel #anglosaxon #romanbritain #bestseller #shieldmaiden #songofbritain #newrelease #amazon #歴史小説 #新しい本 #小説 #アングロサクソン #ローマ英国 #ベストセラー #盾の乙女 #英国の歌 #新しいリリース #アマゾン #ブリタニア #britannia #cover https://www.instagram.com/p/CmUbkahqH2J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Posted @withregram • @blackoutdoors1 Our hike is featured on BBC Countryfile #HadriansWall episode. Click the link in my bio to watch! #BlackBritish #walks #RomanBritain #BlackHistory #DiversifyOutdoors #BlackOutdoors #HW1900 #bipoc #naturelovers (at Hadrian’s Wall) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChLWNSvoDBl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Plotting #foxglovehouse #costumerlife #laurelgirl #romanbritain https://www.instagram.com/p/CglKr8FNFP7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Volume Four of "The Tammabukku Chronicles", KNIGHTS AND HIGH PRIESTESSES OF THE RED DRAGON, is officially published.

A century before Camelot was believed to exist, there was Tammabukku, a school of arcane knowledge in Roman Britain where the Tuatha de Danann came together to finish what they started long ago.

Volume Four of THE TAMMABUKKU CHRONICLES, the epic and groundbreaking, KNIGHTS AND HIGH PRIESTESSES OF THE RED DRAGON, is set against the collapse of Roman Britain and the bitter war between the Druids and Romans.

This volume is the epicenter of the quintet. The oath keepers, needing to unveil the mysteries at the root of the bizarre occurrences in all their lives and comprehend the role they play in an ancient prophecy, travel to fourth century Roman Britain when the renowned mystery school Tammabukku was at is glory.

As the book unfolds, the reader discovers the truth of Lamagir and Angharat, the primordial mother and father of their tribe. The core Tammabukku initiates learn the truth behind the sinister events that led to the demise of the school, which Lamagir and Angharat had intended to metamorphosis into what became known as King Arthur’s Camelot.

Will the ideal of Tammabukku be just one brief and shining moment or a reality that can be sustained on Earth? Despite all indications to the former and the relentless work of dark forces that destroyed Tammabukku, the eternal Knights and High Priestesses of the Red Dragon remain determined to make the impossible dream a reality.

Marcus Aurelius

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”

Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was born #onthisday in AD 121. Aurelius' philosophical 'meditations' are considered to be one of the world's most influential works, incorporating stoic principles he used to cope with life as a warrior and leader. Aurelius' reign was troubled by natural disasters and war. His personal writings outline a philosophy of commitment to virtue above pleasure, and tranquility above happiness.

This striking half-life-sized bronze portrait of Aurelius, with inlaid glass eyes and coil-shaped beard details, dates back to AD 161-180. It was ploughed up in a field near Brackley in Northamptonshire, near the sites of a number of significant Roman villas.

Roman Rule in Britain c.43 - 410 CE

A map illustrating the expanding control and organization of Roman rule in Britain between c. 43 and 410 CE. It took about a century between Julius Caesar’s 55 BCE foray across Britannicus Oceanus (known today as the English Channel) and the 43 CE full-scale invasion and conquest of Britain during the rule of Emperor Claudius to bring what was to become the province of Britannia in the political union that covered most of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The new rulers introduced centralized governance, money and taxes, towns and roads, baths, and circuses. Many Britons became urbanized and Romanised - wore togas, spoke Latin, and enjoyed exotic imports. It all lasted nearly four hundred years until the constant harassment by Hibernians, Caledonians, Picts, and northern European raiders became too much, and the Western Roman emperor Honorius withdrew the Roman Army from Britannia. Not all Romans left with the military though – many retired legionaries, government employees, and settlers had nothing to return to in their countries of origin and stayed on the Isles.

Image by Simeon Netchev

NEW MAP: Europe 296: Battle of Calleva Atrebatum (September 296) https://buff.ly/2SXPm25 With the establishment of the Tetrarchy, Constantius took command in Gaul and immediately moved against Carausius, who he expelled from the major Gallic port of Gesoriacum in the summer of 293. However, it would be another three years before Constantius was ready to launch a fleet to cross the Channel and land two armies on the British coast. Carausius’ successor Allectus moved against the invaders, but was defeated near Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester), bringing an end to almost ten years of rebel rule in Britain. #thirdcentury #diocletian #ancientrome #cartography #romanbritain #europe #europeanhistory #gaul #historia #historie #history #historydegree #historylover #historynerd #constantius #mapmaking #maps #oldmaps #roman #romancivilwar #romancivilwars #romanempire #romanhistory #romans #romaninvasion #englishhistory #ancientbritain #britishhistory #welovemaps #newmap (at Calleva Atrebatum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPsQ1IOA6k4/?utm_medium=tumblr

⚔️ V I R A G O : Origins of the Once & Future King ⚔️ Putting two of my favorite things together, it’s only fitting that the first official copy should arrive on National Coffee Day! Though you cannot see my third cup of joe, it says, “celebrate the small victories.” So, I’m doing just that, shamelessly saying I’m very proud of myself and eternally thankful for those who helped and supported me from beginning to end. Now that the first is complete, I’m ready to move forward with the sequel on top of my current work, A Year with December. ✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻 Get your📕exclusively on @amazon 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏾 #nationalcoffeeday #viragonovel #paperback #debutnovel #newreleasewednesday #romanbritain #onceandfutureking #bookone #ebook #historicalfiction (at Boston, Massachusetts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUa-31ogLwT/?utm_medium=tumblr

Forbidden Romance 💕 He’s a Roman. She’s a Celt. Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors, divided loyalties and love. Paperback, kindle & on kindle unlimited: mybook.to/sistersedge #bookstagram #IndieApril #ukbookstagram #standingstones #stonecircle #neurodivergentmaincharacter #history #historicalfiction #booksaboutsisters #booksaboutsiblings #fiction #reading #writingcommunity #romanticfiction #romancebooks #ancientworld #romanbritain (at Aberdeenshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqt1CkjoWLn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Piercebridge Roman Fort and Gatehouse, Piercebridge, Darlington, 3.11.19.

The Shieldmaiden's Pride - locations

The Shieldmaiden's Pride - locations #anglosaxon #histfic #historicalfiction #romanbritain #britannia

It’s two weeks until release of “The Shieldmaiden’s Pride” – the adventures of a young half-Iute girl in eastern Britannia at the fall of the Empire… It’s been a while since I spent such a significant amount of story time in Londin and its immediate neighbourhood. All the familiar places and faces are coming back – some, perhaps, for the last time…? But with so much focus on Britannia Maxima, I…

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