Heritage Talk: Understanding Roman Northamptonshire

Understanding Roman Northamptonshire

A heritage talk by Dr Michael J Curtis

Northamptonshire occupies a central position within the landscape of Roman Britain, yet its remarkable archaeological heritage is often overshadowed by more familiar Roman sites elsewhere in the country. This talk explores how the county was transformed following the Roman conquest, revealing a landscape of thriving settlements, prosperous villas, extensive agricultural estates, industrial production, and an impressive network of roads linking communities across the province.

Drawing upon archaeological discoveries from across Northamptonshire, the presentation examines the development of towns and villages, the lives of those who farmed the land, practised crafts, traded goods, and worshipped their gods. It also considers the county’s role within wider economic and communication networks that connected Britain with the rest of the Roman Empire.

From spectacular villa mosaics and rural temples to everyday objects recovered from excavations, this talk highlights the rich archaeological evidence that allows us to reconstruct nearly four centuries of Roman occupation. Whether you are new to Roman archaeology or already have an interest in the period, this presentation offers an engaging journey through one of Britain’s most important yet often overlooked Roman landscapes.

Speaker Bio:

Dr Michael J Curtis

Dr Michael J Curtis is an Honorary Fellow in the School of Heritage and Culture at the University of Leicester and co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of My Ancient World Learning Ltd, a company specialising in the delivery of lifelong learning courses in archaeology, ancient history, and classical studies. He is a landscape and coastal archaeologist whose research focuses on the maritime landscapes of the Mediterranean during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Roman maritime landscape of Britain, and the Iron Age and Roman landscapes of his home county of Northamptonshire. He is co-editor of the Cretan Studies series, New Approaches and Perspectives in the Study of Hellenistic, Roman and Early Byzantine Crete, published by Oxbow Books. He has published widely on Hellenistic and Roman Crete and regularly lectures on this and the archaeeology of Roman Britain.