MACROBOTANICAL REMAINS FROM THE ROMAN FORT OF BANNA (BIRDOSWALD, CUMBRIA)

Two hundred and eighty nine bulk samples from, predominantly, the Granaries and Ditches of this Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall were analysed. Disappointingly few seeds in total were recovered from the Granaries indicating that no catastrophic fires had occurred. Almost equal quantities of wheat and barley grain were present; the wheat included spelt and bread wheat. Oats and rye were present in very small quantities. All of these species could have been for human consumption although the use of barley as cavalry horse feed is discussed, and the oats and rye are considered to have been weeds amongst other cereals. Most of the weeds related to ruderal species or those characteristic of general cultivation rather than specifically cereal cultivation. The possibility of local cereal production is also discussed. Plant remains from the Ditches indicated the presence of water in them and some disposal of rubbish and faecal material, the latter in the form of wheat/rye and barley bran. The exotic taxa normally so characteristic of Roman urban assemblages are missing, perhaps indicating a lower status fort; it is certainly somewhat remote.