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Coordinates: 54°58′34″N 1°39′47″W / 54.976°N 1.663°W / 54.976; -1.663
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Today, little can be seen of the fort or its adjoining wall, as the site is covered by a modern reservoir and housing estate, bisected by the A186 Newcastle to [[Carlisle, Cumbria|Carlisle]] road, which follows the line of Hadrian's Wall. The remains of a small temple dedicated to [[Antenociticus]], a local deity, can be seen nearby, and the original causeway over the [[Vallum (Hadrian's Wall)|Vallum]], or rear ditch.
Today, little can be seen of the fort or its adjoining wall, as the site is covered by a modern reservoir and housing estate, bisected by the A186 Newcastle to [[Carlisle, Cumbria|Carlisle]] road, which follows the line of Hadrian's Wall. The remains of a small temple dedicated to [[Antenociticus]], a local deity, can be seen nearby, and the original causeway over the [[Vallum (Hadrian's Wall)|Vallum]], or rear ditch.


==Description==
==History==
⚫
[[File:Condercum Befunde1926-1937.png|thumb|Plan of fort and surrounding buildings]]


⚫
The fort was built between 122 and 124 AD by the Legion ''[[Legio II Augusta]]''. The fort had two granaries built by a detachment from the British Fleet, likely from nearby [[Arbeia]] fort, probably because the legionaries responsible for construction of the fort had been called away.
⚫
The remains of the fort lie on [[Hadrian's Wall]] to the west of Newcastle. The fort contained a commandant's house, headquarters, two granaries, workshops, barracks, stables and a hospital. The fort measured {{convert|570|ft|m}} from north to south by {{convert|400|ft|m}} east to west and the defences enclosed an area of just over {{convert|5|acre}}. It was a cavalry fort, and had three gates leading to the north of the wall. There were two side gates, facing east and west, through which the Roman military road, running along the south side of the wall, entered and exited. There was also a south-facing gate that led to a causeway that crossed the vallum. The Vallum was a ditch 20 ft wide and 10 ft deep with the spoil placed in a mound either side of the ditch.


⚫
The [[Vallum (Hadrian's Wall)|Vallum]] was built shortly after 130 to the south of the fort to protect the wall from attack from this side, and made a detour around the fort. The vallum could only be crossed at the forts and hence at Benwell a causeway and a gate provided this access about 100 ft south of the fort’s southern gate.
⚫
The causeway had a monumental non-military gateway with a large entrance and with some of the best dressed stone on Hadrian's Wall. It was located halfway across the vallum and was closed by doors.


Additional building or repair work in the late-2nd century was done by Legion ''[[Legio XX Valeria Victrix]]'' based at [[Deva Victrix|Chester]].
== Excavation ==


==Garrison==
⚫
The fort was excavated in the 1920s to 1930s where a dedication table was found that suggested the origin date of 122 AD. Also, pottery was found that dated to the 2nd century indicating the time of the rebuild.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.twsitelines.info/SMR/208|title=Hadrian's Wall, Benwell Fort (Condercum) {{!}} sitelines.newcastle.gov.uk|website=www.twsitelines.info|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> Other finds from the site include altars dedicated to the gods, square-head and cruciform brooches, a strong room or treasure vault, and a silver spoon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newcastle-antiquaries.org.uk/index.php?pageId=611|title=The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne: Search Archaeologia Aeliana|website=www.newcastle-antiquaries.org.uk|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref>


⚫
In the 2nd century Condercum was garrisoned by the [[Cohors I Vangionum Milliaria Equitata]], a part-mounted unit from [[Germania Superior|Upper Germany]]. This had a nominal strength of one thousand men, but it is likely that only half of this number occupied the fort. From 205 to 367 a five-hundred-strong auxiliary cavalry unit ([[Ala I Hispanorum Asturum]]) recruited from the [[Astures]] tribe in northern Spain, was stationed here after being at [[Arbeia|South Shields]].
⚫
In 2017, excavations on a building site in Dorcas Avenue found substantial walls of the ''vicus''.


==Description==
⚫
Excavations in 2020 revealed sections of the fort's foundations in several house gardens.<ref>The Great British Dig: History in Your Garden Series 1 Episode 1: Benwell. Channel 4. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-dig-history-in-your-garden/on-demand/71687-001</ref>
⚫
[[File:Condercum Befunde1926-1937.png|thumb|Plan of fort and surrounding buildings]]


⚫
The fort measured {{convert|570|ft|m}} from north to south by {{convert|400|ft|m}} east to west and the defences enclosed an area of just over {{convert|5|acre}}. As a cavalry fort built partially to the north of the wall, it had three gates on this side to allow quick access. There were two side gates, facing east and west, through which the Roman military road, running along the south side of Wall, passed. There was also a south-facing gate that led to a stone causeway crossing the vallum ditch, 20 ft wide and 10 ft deep, with mounds either side.
==History==
===Construction and garrison===


⚫
The causeway, still visible today, had a large monumental non-military gateway located halfway across the vallum and with some of the best dressed stone on Hadrian's Wall.
It is known from several building inscriptions that the defences of the fort at Benwell were built by soldiers from the Second Augustan Legion ([[Legio II Augusta]]). It is believed that it was built between 122 AD and 124 AD. Soldiers from the Twentieth Legion ([[Legio XX Valeria Victrix]]) based at [[Deva Victrix|Chester]] were apparently responsible for some additional building or repair work at Benwell in the late-2nd century.


The fort contained a commandant's house, headquarters, two granaries, workshops, barracks, stables and a hospital.
⚫
The [[Vallum (Hadrian's Wall)|Vallum]] was built shortly after 130 AD to the south of the fort to protect the wall from attack from this side. The vallum could therefore only be crossed at the forts and at Benwell a causeway and a gate provided this access between the Wall and Vallum. At Benwell the gate was about 100 ft south of the fort’s southern gate. The Vallum makes a detour around the fort.

⚫
In the 2nd century Condercum was garrisoned by the [[Cohors I Vangionum Milliaria Equitata]], which was a part-mounted unit from [[Germania Superior|Upper Germany]]. This had a nominal strength of one thousand men, but it is likely that only half of this number occupied the fort. It is thought that from AD 205 to AD 367, a five-hundred-strong auxiliary cavalry unit ([[Ala I Hispanorum Asturum]]) recruited from the [[Astures]] tribe in northern Spain, was stationed at the fort after being at [[Arbeia|South Shields]].

⚫
The fort contained two granaries built by a detachment from the British Fleet, probably because the legionaries responsible for construction of the fort had been called away. It is likely that the detachment was sent from nearby [[Arbeia]], in modern-day [[South Shields]].


===Other buildings===
===Other buildings===
Line 117: Line 112:
The remains of a temple dedicated to [[Antenociticus]] can still be seen a hundred yards to the east of the fort. The building, which was discovered in 1862, measures {{convert|15|ft|m}} from east to west and {{convert|20|ft|m}} from north to south, with an [[apse]] extending a further six feet on the south end.
The remains of a temple dedicated to [[Antenociticus]] can still be seen a hundred yards to the east of the fort. The building, which was discovered in 1862, measures {{convert|15|ft|m}} from east to west and {{convert|20|ft|m}} from north to south, with an [[apse]] extending a further six feet on the south end.
It is believed that the apse contained a life-size statue of the god, as a full size head was found, together with the fragments of an arm and a leg. The head was adorned with a Celtic neck [[torc]].
It is believed that the apse contained a life-size statue of the god, as a full size head was found, together with the fragments of an arm and a leg. The head was adorned with a Celtic neck [[torc]].
A number of altar-stones were found, three of which were dedicated to Antenociticus, who is believed to be a [[Celtic polytheism|Celtic deity]]. Another dedication to the "three lamiae" may likewise refer to local Celtic deities.<ref>Matthias Egeler: “Condercum: Some Considerations on the Religious Life of a Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall and the Celtic Character of the ''lamiae tres'' of the Dedication Stone CIL VII, 507,” in: ''Studi Celtici'' 7 (2008-2009), pp. 129-176.</ref>
A number of altar-stones were found, three of which were dedicated to Antenociticus, who is believed to be a [[Celtic polytheism|Celtic deity]]. Another dedication to the "three lamiae" may likewise refer to local Celtic deities.<ref>Matthias Egeler: “Condercum: Some Considerations on the Religious Life of a Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall and the Celtic Character of the ''lamiae tres'' of the Dedication Stone CIL VII, 507,” in: ''Studi Celtici'' 7 (2008–2009), pp. 129-176.</ref>


Three hundred yards to the southwest of the fort, [[thermae|thermal baths]] were discovered in 1751. The building had several rooms, the hot and cold rooms and dressing rooms normally found in such baths.
[[Thermae|Thermal baths]] were discovered 300 m to the southwest of the fort. The building had several rooms, the hot, cold rooms and dressing rooms normally found in such baths.

⚫
Just south of the vallum causeway a large domestic building was found, believed to be a [[mansio]] (inn for official travellers).

== Excavations ==

⚫
The fort was excavated in the 1920s to 1930s when a dedication table was found that suggested the origin date of 122 AD. Also, pottery was found that dated to the 2nd century indicating the time of the rebuild.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.twsitelines.info/SMR/208|title=Hadrian's Wall, Benwell Fort (Condercum) {{!}} sitelines.newcastle.gov.uk|website=www.twsitelines.info|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> Other finds from the site include altars dedicated to the gods, square-head and cruciform brooches, a strong room or treasure vault, and a silver spoon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newcastle-antiquaries.org.uk/index.php?pageId=611|title=The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne: Search Archaeologia Aeliana|website=www.newcastle-antiquaries.org.uk|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref>

⚫
In 2017, excavations on a building site in Dorcas Avenue found substantial walls of the ''vicus''.


⚫
Excavations in 2020 revealed sections of the fort and vicus foundations in several house gardens.<ref>The Great British Dig: History in Your Garden Series 1 Episode 1: Benwell. Channel 4. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-dig-history-in-your-garden/on-demand/71687-001</ref>
⚫
Just south of the vallum causeway, a third building was found. This was a large domestic building, believed to be a [[mansio]], or resthouse for official travellers.


==References==
==References==
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{{Hadrian's Wall forts}}
{{Hadrian's Wall forts}}
{{Roman visitor sites in the UK}}


[[Category:Forts of Hadrian's Wall]]
[[Category:Forts of Hadrian's Wall]]

Latest revision as of 20:51, 7 June 2024

Condercum
The Vallum crossing at Condercum
Condercum is located in Tyne and Wear
Condercum
Location in Tyne and Wear
Gegründet122 - 124 AD
Abandonedc. 5th century AD
Place in the Roman world
ProvinceBritannia
Structure
— Stone structure —
Size and area170 m × 120 m (2 ha)
Stationed military units
— Legions —
vexill. II Augusta, vexill. XX Valeria Victrix
— Cohorts —
I Vangionum
— Alae —
I Hispanorum Asturum
Standort
Coordinates54°58′34″N 1°39′47″W / 54.976°N 1.663°W / 54.976; -1.663
TownNewcastle upon Tyne
CountyTyne and Wear
LandEngland
Reference
UK-OSNG referenceNZ216646
Condercum on 1964 OS map
Plan of Condercum fort

Condercum was a Roman fort on the site of the modern-day Condercum Estate in Benwell, a suburb of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It was the third fort on Hadrian's Wall, about 6.8 miles east of Rudchester fort and only 2.4 miles west of Pons Aelius fort (Newcastle), and was situated on a hilltop 2 miles (3 km) to the west of the city.

Today, little can be seen of the fort or its adjoining wall, as the site is covered by a modern reservoir and housing estate, bisected by the A186 Newcastle to Carlisle road, which follows the line of Hadrian's Wall. The remains of a small temple dedicated to Antenociticus, a local deity, can be seen nearby, and the original causeway over the Vallum, or rear ditch.

History

[edit]

The fort was built between 122 and 124 AD by the Legion Legio II Augusta. The fort had two granaries built by a detachment from the British Fleet, likely from nearby Arbeia fort, probably because the legionaries responsible for construction of the fort had been called away.

The Vallum was built shortly after 130 to the south of the fort to protect the wall from attack from this side, and made a detour around the fort. The vallum could only be crossed at the forts and hence at Benwell a causeway and a gate provided this access about 100 ft south of the fort’s southern gate.

Additional building or repair work in the late-2nd century was done by Legion Legio XX Valeria Victrix based at Chester.

Garrison

[edit]

In the 2nd century Condercum was garrisoned by the Cohors I Vangionum Milliaria Equitata, a part-mounted unit from Upper Germany. This had a nominal strength of one thousand men, but it is likely that only half of this number occupied the fort. From 205 to 367 a five-hundred-strong auxiliary cavalry unit (Ala I Hispanorum Asturum) recruited from the Astures tribe in northern Spain, was stationed here after being at South Shields.

Description

[edit]
Plan of fort and surrounding buildings

The fort measured 570 feet (170 m) from north to south by 400 feet (120 m) east to west and the defences enclosed an area of just over 5 acres (2.0 ha). As a cavalry fort built partially to the north of the wall, it had three gates on this side to allow quick access. There were two side gates, facing east and west, through which the Roman military road, running along the south side of Wall, passed. There was also a south-facing gate that led to a stone causeway crossing the vallum ditch, 20 ft wide and 10 ft deep, with mounds either side.

The causeway, still visible today, had a large monumental non-military gateway located halfway across the vallum and with some of the best dressed stone on Hadrian's Wall.

The fort contained a commandant's house, headquarters, two granaries, workshops, barracks, stables and a hospital.

Other buildings

[edit]
Temple of Antenociticus
Plan of baths

A vicus, or civilian settlement, grew up around the fort, lying to the north and south of the vallum. The remains of several notable buildings were found near the fort indicating that the vicus was extensive.

The remains of a temple dedicated to Antenociticus can still be seen a hundred yards to the east of the fort. The building, which was discovered in 1862, measures 15 feet (4.6 m) from east to west and 20 feet (6.1 m) from north to south, with an apse extending a further six feet on the south end. It is believed that the apse contained a life-size statue of the god, as a full size head was found, together with the fragments of an arm and a leg. The head was adorned with a Celtic neck torc. A number of altar-stones were found, three of which were dedicated to Antenociticus, who is believed to be a Celtic deity. Another dedication to the "three lamiae" may likewise refer to local Celtic deities.[1]

Thermal baths were discovered 300 m to the southwest of the fort. The building had several rooms, the hot, cold rooms and dressing rooms normally found in such baths.

Just south of the vallum causeway a large domestic building was found, believed to be a mansio (inn for official travellers).

Excavations

[edit]

The fort was excavated in the 1920s to 1930s when a dedication table was found that suggested the origin date of 122 AD. Also, pottery was found that dated to the 2nd century indicating the time of the rebuild.[2] Other finds from the site include altars dedicated to the gods, square-head and cruciform brooches, a strong room or treasure vault, and a silver spoon.[3]

In 2017, excavations on a building site in Dorcas Avenue found substantial walls of the vicus.

Excavations in 2020 revealed sections of the fort and vicus foundations in several house gardens.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Matthias Egeler: “Condercum: Some Considerations on the Religious Life of a Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall and the Celtic Character of the lamiae tres of the Dedication Stone CIL VII, 507,” in: Studi Celtici 7 (2008–2009), pp. 129-176.
  2. ^ "Hadrian's Wall, Benwell Fort (Condercum) | sitelines.newcastle.gov.uk". www.twsitelines.info. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  3. ^ "The Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne: Search Archaeologia Aeliana". www.newcastle-antiquaries.org.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  4. ^ The Great British Dig: History in Your Garden Series 1 Episode 1: Benwell. Channel 4. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-dig-history-in-your-garden/on-demand/71687-001

Sources

[edit]
[edit]
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