Richborough+Roman+Fort+and+Amphitheatre

Richborough is one of the most symbolically important of all the Roman sites in Britain. Set on top of a hill Richborough was known as the gateway to Britain and is a key site of the Roman invasion of 43 AD by the Roman Empire. It was the witness to the beginning and the end of the Roman Rule. Historically this invasion was led by Claudius' army. This was a major port of trading and supply route to the rest of Britain. This fort was one of four that contributed to the Count of Saxon shore that protected the country from invaders.

Richborough started as a small town and port, then it was used for military to protect against the Saxon raiders. It was originally called "Rutupiae" and is also known as, "the to Britain" and "Richborough Castle." When looking at Richborough Fort, it is hard to imagine that when it was built, there was water on three sides of it. It was actually a coastal defensive structure. When you are there, it is VERY land based. However in 2008, archaeologists discovered the location of the original Roman coast.

An amphitheater was constructed in the late third century, it housed entertainment like wild animal hunts and gladiator combat. It is on the fringes of the fort, excavations have shown an arena with sloping banks of clay and mortar that they believe would have held support for wooden seats.

The arch in the middle of town can still be seen in the ground as a large cross that was a monument to the victory that the Roman's had conquer this land. They built it about 85AD and sparkled in the sun as researchers have found many shiny bobbles and stones around the arch. In the third century, it was again a military area and it seems as though a lookout tower, (or a few) were made. Changes were made and fortifications of a stone perimeter were put in. These stone walls are what we see when visiting Richborough. There have been many artifacts found during excavating, although much is seen, with modern archaeological equipment it shows much of Richborough still not excavated.

The funny thing is that this area also was the last one standing and saw the ending of the Romans rule in Britain in 410 AD. If you look out the west gate you can still see the old Roman road Watling Street that leads to Canterbury and London.