Cunetio Romano-British Town
Overview
Cunetio grew from an open roadside settlement into a walled Roman town and produced Britain's largest Roman coin hoard. Though nothing stands, aerial survey and excavation reveal late defences, houses and wealth hidden beside the Kennet.
Who made it and when
Romano-British residents established the settlement in the second century on the road between major towns. In the late third or early fourth century they added massive walls and towers as security worsened.
How it was made and used
Streets served houses, workshops and trade across roughly thirty hectares. The walled core protected a smaller area, suggesting the community contracted or concentrated during late Roman uncertainty.
What was found
Aerial photographs revealed the plan in the 1940s and excavations followed. In 1978 metal detectorists found more than 54,000 coins buried around AD 274, now known as the Cunetio Hoard.
What remains
Buildings and walls survive below farmland with no public standing ruin. Crop marks, surveys and excavated plans preserve the town's shape, while the coin hoard is held by the British Museum.
Why it mattered
Cunetio shows local people responding to third-century danger by fortifying an existing town. Its huge hoard provides an unmatched body of coin evidence for the troubled breakaway Gallic Empire.
History checked 16 August 2026 against the named sources below.
An ancient-place record does not grant access or permission to dig, move stones or disturb remains. Check current paths, ownership and protection before visiting.