Level 3 - Life in Roman Sussex - The Towns

The Towns

Defence

One of the main reasons why towns such as Chichester continued to be occupied after the breakdown of Roman administration is almost certainly the defensive value of their sturdy walls. A length of deep ditch found in the Cattlemarket site just to the east of the later walls appears to have been the first defensive feature, possibly built or re-cut by Togidubnus in response to the threat from the Boudiccan rebellion of AD 59-60.

At the end of the 2nd century, a major double ditch and bank system was built around part of the town, with areas excluded to the north, south and east (see Suburbs). This was part of a wider phenomenon of town defence works being carried out at this time in Britain, possibly under the impetus of the governor of Britain, Clodius Albinus, who was engaged in power struggles with the Emperor Severus. Possibly at the same time, this defensive bank was fronted by a substantial masonry wall. Further improvements were made in the later 4th century by the provision of regular bastions along the wall, upon which would have stood ballistae. It is thought that these final defensive measures were made after the great barbarian raids of AD 367, when the Roman emperor sent Count Theodosius to strengthen the defences of the Saxon shore forts.

Chichester city walls

Section through Chichester ramparts