Rare sword find leads to discovery of Iron Age Roman settlement

• The discovery of two rare Roman cavalry swords by a metal detectorist in the Cotswolds has led to the unearthing of a significant Iron Age and Roman settlement.
• Excavations revealed evidence of settlements spanning centuries, including Iron Age ring ditches, a substantial enclosure, and Roman limestone buildings, potentially a winged villa.
• The long swords, or "spatha," date from the early second to third century AD and are contemporary with the Roman villa remains found at the site.
• Metal detectorist Glenn Manning found the swords near Willersey, Gloucestershire, which were subsequently donated to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester.
• Further archaeological work is planned, and the swords will be on public display at the Corinium Museum from 2 August.

IN FULL

Newly discovered settlement could unlock secrets of Roman conquest