Old Sarum is a captivating historical site located near Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. It boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Iron Age. The site has evolved through various historical phases, each contributing to its unique and complex identity. From an Iron Age hill fort to a Roman settlement, and later a medieval city, Old Sarum provides a window into the past, offering insights into the changing nature of British society through the ages.

The Iron Age Fort

The history of Old Sarum begins in the Iron Age, around 400 BCE, when it was first established as a hill fort. The fort was constructed atop a prominent hill, providing natural defense against invaders. Its location offered a strategic advantage, with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. The defensive walls of the fort were made from earthworks, with a series of ditches and ramparts providing further protection.

During the Iron Age, Old Sarum was inhabited by Celtic tribes, who built a small settlement within the fortified area. Evidence of their presence includes the remnants of circular huts and other structures that would have been used for domestic purposes. Archaeological finds also suggest that the site may have had a religious or ceremonial significance, with ritual objects and artifacts discovered during excavations. The fort likely played a central role in the life of the local Celtic community, serving as a hub for trade, defense, and social interaction.

The Roman Settlement

In the first century CE, following the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 CE, Old Sarum saw a transformation from a native Iron Age fort to a Roman settlement. The Romans were known for their sophisticated urban planning and military installations, and Old Sarum was no exception. The site became a Roman military base, playing an important role in the Romanization of the region.

The Romans constructed a fortified camp (castrum) at Old Sarum, complete with defensive walls, gates, and ditches. This fortification was part of the Roman strategy to secure the region and control the local population. The Roman settlement that grew around the fort was organized along a grid pattern, typical of Roman urban planning. Buildings constructed from stone and timber replaced the earlier Iron Age structures, and Roman villas, bathhouses, and temples were built.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Old Sarum became a thriving settlement, with a mix of military and civilian life. The Roman presence at Old Sarum lasted until the early 5th century, when the Roman Empire began to withdraw from Britain. As the Roman influence waned, the settlement began to decline, and the once-vibrant town eventually fell into disuse. shutdown123