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Exeter’s Roman fortress

RAMM hosts the launch of a new book by a local archaeologist about the discovery of Exeter’s Roman fortress.

Leigh Curtis

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is hosting a book signing by local archaeologist and author Dr John Pamment Salvatore on Friday 5 April.

The recently-published Exeter, a Legionary Fortress and Civitas Capital recounts the early 1970s discovery of a Roman fortress in the heart of the city during construction of the Guildhall shopping centre.

The archaeological excavation, in which Dr Salvatore participated, revealed that Exeter’s origins as Roman city dated further back than previously believed.

The author will be signing copies of his book in the RAMM Courtyard, where Roman artefacts from the museum collection will be on display, and will be joined by a fully-costumed Roman centurion.

Exeter Roman fortress and city wall outlines Aerial view showing the outline of the Roman fortress defences in blue and the later city walls in red. Photo © Frances Griffith, Devon County Council.

Dr Salvatore began his archaeological career in 1972 with the Exeter Museums Archaeological Field Unit, working on the excavation of the Roman military bathhouse in Cathedral Green.

After studying at the University of Birmingham he returned to Exeter in the 1990s for two stints at the unit before it was wound up in 2011. He also worked at English Heritage, before it became Historic England, and as Plymouth City Archaeologist.

He is a Vice President of the Devon Archaeological Society.

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Meet the author - John Pamment Salvatore is at 11am-1pm on Friday 5 April 2024 at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Queen Street.

The event is free to attend.

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