Release Date 18 July 2012

University of Reading experts have found the first evidence that Iron Age people in Britain were spicing up mealtimes with foods and seasoning imported from the Mediterranean region.

Previously, experts believed that prior to the Roman conquest of Britain, only liquids such as olive oil and wine were imported from across the Channel. However archaeologists working at Silchester Roman Town in Hampshire have discovered that people of that time were importing Mediterranean seasoning as well as whole olives themselves.

Last year an olive stone, along with seeds of celery and coriander, were discovered in a Late Iron Age well, all dating to pre AD43. A second well produced a celery seed again dated pre AD 43 and several dill seeds dated to AD 40-50.

Professor Michael Fulford, from the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology, said: "These plant foods were all cultivated in the Mediterranean region and literary evidence shows they were part of Roman cuisine. Whilst the import of olive oil and wine during the Late Iron Age is evidenced at Silchester and elsewhere throughout southern Britain, we were unaware that olive fruits and seasonings were also being imported - until now.

"Topics such as global food trade, food security and self-sufficiency may seem like issues only for the present day, but this unique discovery shows just how sophisticated Britain's trade in food and global links were, even before the Romans colonised in the first century AD.

"We take these culinary treats for granted but over 2000 years ago trade in these foodstuffs would have been essential, at least for the wealthy tribal aristocracy of Iron Age Britain.  A journey to Britain from the Med would have taken several weeks, either by sea around the coasts of Spain, Portugal and France, or overland through France. This is the first olive from Iron Age Britain!"

Other rare Iron Age finds from last year's dig include the skeleton of a ‘toy' dog, similar to that of a modern-day poodle. The remains, with an estimated shoulder height of 29cm, were placed to replicate a normal, relaxed resting posture of the animal, possibly showing it was given a formal burial. This indicates there may have been a close connection between pet and owner and suggests the animal was kept not just for practical purposes.

"Very small dogs of this period are very rare finds," said Professor Fulford. "Only half a dozen or so examples of this period have been recorded across Britain and it may have been bred on the continent and imported to Britain - another luxury like the olive.  The dog was deliberately placed as a votive deposit in the foundations of a large Iron Age house which we are still excavating."

The finds were made during last year's excavation of Silchester Roman Town, which the University has been excavating and researching since 1974. The Silchester Field School takes place every summer for six weeks with the 2012 dig just underway. In 2008 Professor Fulford and his team found the first evidence of an Iron Age town in Britain at Silchester.

Professor Fulford added: "The finds from last year were very exciting and we are hoping for more this summer to take forward our rapidly expanding knowledge of Iron Age and earliest Roman Silchester.  The remains we are uncovering this summer span the period between Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain in 55/54 BC and the immediate aftermath of the Roman conquest of the Emperor Claudius of AD 43/44.  We have come a long way back in time - more than 400 years - since the Insula IX project began in 1997.  One of the big questions we are addressing this summer is the character of the Roman military presence from AD 43/44."

Silchester's ever popular Open Days are being held on Saturday 21 July and Saturday 4 August. The public can enjoy expert tours, talks, and demonstrations. There will be a range of fun activities for children, including a mini excavation, and the chance to dress up Roman-style and handle some of the exciting finds. Admission and activities are free, and refreshments are on sale.

During the Field School, which runs until 12 August, visitors are welcome to see the excavation in progress every day, except Fridays, between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Groups must book in advance. For more information visit http://www.reading.ac.uk/silchester/ 

ENDS

For all media enquiries please contact James Barr, University of Reading Press Officer on 0118 378 7115 or by email on j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk

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Notes for Editors

The University of Reading's Department of Archaeology has an international reputation in research and teaching. The University was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize 2009 in recognition of the excellence of the archaeology department, which, uniquely within the study of archaeology, combines ground-breaking research, enterprise and teaching.

The Field School is a key module in undergraduate degrees and provides students with a sound knowledge of archaeological field techniques as well as teamwork, numeracy and IT skills. The Field School takes place every summer for six weeks during which time all first year archaeology students at the University of Reading attend along with external participants from all over the world.

The University of Reading is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world (THE World University Rankings 2011-12), is among the top 20 universities in the UK for research funding, and according to students has the best campus environment in the UK (THE Student Experience Survey).