Archaeologists in Stirling, Scotland have made an amazing discovery – the remains of an ancient Roman road. Estimated to be nearly 2,000 years old, this road was originally built by the Roman army led by General Gnaeus Julius Agricola in the 1st century AD. It connected to aford, or shallow river crossing, over the River Forth.
The road was uncovered during an excavation in the backyard of a country house located just outside Stirling. Stirling has a long and important history as one of the former capitals of Scotland. This newly discovered Roman road would have been a vital transportation link, allowing travel across the wide Forth River into the Scottish Highlands regions.
After the Romans left Britain in the early 5th century AD, the road continued to be used. Warriors and armies from different groups like the Picts, Vikings and Normans all used this road for military campaigns.
Many famous Scottish figures from history are also known to have traveled on this road, including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Its strategic location made it a key route for crossing the river and accessing the Highlands.
Murray Cook, the archaeologist from Stirling Council who led the excavation, called this the most important road in Scottish history. He explained that everyone from the Romans to William Wallace to kings of Scotland would have used this crossing point over the centuries. Just thinking that you could literally walk in the same footsteps as these historic figures is amazing.
The homeowners, Jennifer and her family, were surprised by the discovery right in their own backyard. It’s incredible to think that kings and conquerors like William the Conqueror and Henry VIII walked in our garden, Jennifer said. While Stirling is famous for its castle and monuments, she hopes this finding helps people learn more about the city’s rich past.
The discovery has excited local officials as well. Next year marks 900 years since Stirling first became a royal burgh. Council leader Chris Kane said this helps show that Stirling’s history goes back even further to Roman times.
Knowing more about how the Romans first crossed the Forth River and helped establish Stirling is a story they can now better share with visitors from around the world.
Through this excavation, archaeologists have helped uncover another important chapter of Scotland’s long and storied history. The ancient Roman road is a direct physical link connecting modern-day Stirling to the military campaigns and rulers of the past.
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