Archaeologists discovered Roman pottery at the site in Ipplepen, Devon, United Kingdom, suggesting existence of a community trading widely with the Roman world.

The excavation are carried since 2011, after Roman coins were discovered at the site. In previous years archaeologists discovered a Roman road, a square enclosure ditch from Roman times, an Iron Age round house connected with the Romano-British culture, and a Roman cemetery with 15 skeletons. Now, archaeologists discovered Roman amphora used to transport wine and olive oil, dating back to the 4th century BC. The dating has been confirmed by radiocarbon analysis. The findings suggest that the settlement at Ipplepen existed about 1200 years longer than previously thought.

The researchers speculated the settlement may have been a farming community after the remains of a granary were found, but also unearthed evidence of industry at the site, after debris from iron working was found near what is thought to be the edge of the settlement.

(after BBC News & University of Exeter)