The Carpow Roman Legionary Fortress was discovered by Aerial photography which showed the defensive ditches as cropmarks.
Carpow is situated on the River Tay , in Eastern Scotland ,where it meets the River Earn at a point which could easily be reached by cargo ships. On the north bank of the River Tay, aerial photography also identified a camp opposite Carpow at St Madoes as well as a fortlet on the South Bank. Nothing remains visible at Carpow and the site is now on private property
The site was excavated in the 1960’s and 70’s – this revealed an early 3rd century four sided polygonal structure with a turf bank and defensive ditches with gateways on each side. Outside the 25 hectacre fortress was a riverside quay used for unloading seaborne supplies. It would appear that it was the intention of Septimus Severus not to rely on local supplies but to supply his troops from the south by sea.
The fortess was garrisoned by at least two Roman legions – the Second and the Sixth. Roof tiles with the stamps of the VI Victrix and II Augusta legions have been excavated from the site. A coin of Caracalla issued in AD 209 shows a bridge of boats or pontoon bridge and the legend TRAIECTUS (crossing) which referred possibly to a bridge or crossing at Carpow.
It is not known precisely when the construction began , but the dedicatory slabs above the fortress gate do not appear to have been completed until after the death of Geta in AD212 although there is a hint of an earlier phase when the gates are timber built. The dedication slabs condition is unweathered which would indicate that they did not stand in position for any length of time. The fortress appears to have been abandoned around AD 215.
Finds at Carpow
Scale armour fragment
The scales are laid out in rows and are fastened together with pieces of bronze wire which went through the holes on the sides and are then bent over towards the back. Each row was then stitched through the top holes through a tough backing cloth to a string running the length of the row.
Stone work and building materials
Sculptured masonry from the south and easy gateways showing Pelta or horn-shaped motif, Victory standing on a globe, 2 Pegasi or winged horses.
Inscribed stone showing ‘IMP ET D N M ARV ANTONINUS PIVS FELIX LEG II AVG’ This translates as ‘To our Emperor and Lord Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius Felix The Second Augustan Legion’
Brick and Tile fragments bearing the stamps of the sixth legion
Iron pipe collars which joined together sections of wooden water pipes used to carry fresh water from an outside spring to the fortress
Iron nails were found in large quantities in the defensive ditches
Pottery Finds
Pottery finds including fragments of amphorae one with Amphora stamp reading:
(F?)S(C?)(I?)M/(N?)I(A?)(N?)O – dating Mt Testaccio Rome 3rd Century AD.
