The City of York was founded in AD 71 as Eboracum, the great fortress of the Roman Ninth Legion, which stood for four centuries on the north-east bank of the Ouse, symbolizing the power and control of Rome.
In the centuries following Roman withdrawal the fortress buildings fell into decay and all but disappeared; in their place rose the equally symbolic medieval York Minster. The presence of the Minster and associated buildings has meant that there are few opportunities for archaeological excavation in that area. In 1985, however, some minor work in the old barrack area produced an object directly linked with Eboracum's military past.
A damaged but virtually complete copper alloy cheek piece from the left-hand side of a military helmet was found in the backfill of what might have been a drain or ditch.
(Painting by Simon Chew ©York Archaeological Trust)
Find number 88, 1985-6.22,
catalogue no.6528. Length 190, W.132.5, T.0.5mm.
For more information see The Archaeology
of York 17/10, Finds from the Fortress by H.E.M. Cool, G. Lloyd-Morgan
and A.D. Hooley (1995).
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