The City of York sits at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. Its site takes advantage of natural lines of communication and occupies a good defensive position. Since its foundation in AD 71 by the Roman 9th Legion, York has been an important military, administrative, trading, communication and religious centre.

The citizens of York are rightly proud of their standing historic monuments — but still more of the city’s heritage is waiting to be revealed beneath its narrow streets and ancient buildings. Buried remains are constantly coming to light as new buildings are erected, as streets, sewers and services are repaired, and as the city develops to meet modern needs. As York spreads into its hinterland, opportunities are created for archaeologists to learn more about the surroundings of this ancient place.