Ratae Corieltauvorum

Two legionary fortresses were established; one at Isca (Exeter) in the southwest corner of the territory and the other at Lindum (Lincoln) in the northeast.

As yet, however, there is minimal evidence of one: only a single V-shaped ditch with a drainage slot at the bottom, found on the island between the two river channels.

[4] Excavations starting in 2016 have revealed luxurious, highly decorated houses in central locations of the town.

However, in the early 2nd century, better-quality spacious stone houses were erected with central courtyards.

A particularly fine excavated example had tesselated and mosaic floors, decorative plaster walls, and an elaborate frieze around its courtyard depicting theatrical masks, doves, pheasants, cupids, and flowers.

[3] In the late 4th century, Ratae was occupied by a detachment of the Roman army and towers may have been added to the town walls.

However, a serious fire spread through the town centre and the forum, basilica and market hall were never rebuilt.

The settlement is generally identified as the Cair Lerion[7] mentioned among the 28 cities of Britain by the later History of the Britons traditionally attributed to Nennius.