The requirements of both the military and the civilian town necessitated a large supply and distribution network across the empire. The wharves and cobbled streets thronged with men unloading and transporting foodstuffs and goods brought into York from the surrounding area, from other parts of Roman Britain and directly from the continent. Fine pottery, notably Samian ware from France and vessels from the Rhineland, augmented the range made in York. Wine from France, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Egypt arrived in vast amphorae, as did olive oil from Spain and north Africa. Fish was brought from Spain and exotic fruits from the Middle East.

An imported 2nd century lamp stamped with the maker’s name FORTIS

Part of an incised glass bowl imported from the continent

Fragments of Samian table ware from northern France

An example of regional trade: part of a 4th century bowl from Crambeck, Yorkshire

Beakers of the late 3rd century made in the Nene Valley (near Peterborough)

A lead weight from the 6th Legion

A set of copper alloy hand-held folding balances