Bibliography - Fishbourne Roman Palace, Fishbourne, West Sussex
Bibliography Home

Publications

The re-identification of great bustard (Otis tarda) from Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, West Sussex, as common crane (Grus grus), by Martyn G. Allen, published 1909 in Environmental Archaeology (vo. 14, article, pp.184-190)

Fishbourne Excavations Fund, by Chichester Civic Society, published 1961 (pamphlet) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 5040]
Appeal for funds by Chichester Civic Society Excavations Committee.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1961: First Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1962 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 42 issue 1, article, pp.17-23) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 1845]   View Online
Abstract:
For many years ever-increasing reports of Roman buildings and other finds from the neighbourhood of the village of New Fishbourne, one mile west of Chichester, have indicated the existence of an extensive early Roman settlement in the area. Early in 1960, during the construction of a water main across fields to the north of the main Chichester-Portsmouth road, a trench was cut through a Roman building which was found to incorporate massive masonry blocks and a mosaic floor. The pottery from the trench was predominantly first century. Accordingly, the Chichester Civic Society arranged a three-week trial excavation at Easter 1961, on the results of which further excavations were undertaken during the period 22nd July to 31st August. The work was made possible by generous grants from the Chichester Corporation, the Ministry of Works, the Society of Antiquaries, the Haverfield Trustees, the Marc Fitch Fund, the Sussex Archaeological Society, and by the public's response to the appeal. Nine students, mainly from Cambridge and Oxford, were employed throughout the excavations.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1962: Second Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1963 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 43 issue 1, article, pp.1-14) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2919][Lib 1847]   View Online
Abstract:
The second season's excavation at Fishbourne was concentrated on the eastern part of the southern field, shown by last year's work to be occupied by the eastern wing of the Period 2 building. In addition, trial trenches were dug in other parts of the village in order to examine the extent and nature of the Roman settlement.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1963: Third Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1964 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 44 issue 1, article, pp.1-8) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 2931][Lib 1848]   View Online
Abstract:
Early in 1963 much of the land occupied by the Roman building at Fishbourne was purchased by Mr. I. D. Margary, M.A., F.S.A., and was given to the Sussex Archaeological Trust. The Fishbourne Committee of the trust was set up to administer the future of the site. The third season's excavation, carried out at the desire of this committee, was again organized by the Chichester Civic Society. About fifty volunteers a day were employed from 24th July to 3rd September. Excavation concentrated upon three main areas; the orchard south of the east wing excavated in 1962, the west end of the north wing, and the west wing. In addition, trial trenches were dug at the north-east and north-west extremities of the building and in the area to the north of the north wing. The work of supervision was carried out by Miss F. Pierce, M.A., Mr. B. Morley, Mr. A. B. Norton, B.A., and Mr. J. P. Wild, B.A. Photography was organized by Mr. D. B. Baker and Mrs. F. A. Cunliffe took charge of the pottery and finds.

Fishbourne 1961-4, by B. W. Cunliffe, published 1965 (offprint, The Society of Antiquarians) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6421] & West Sussex Libraries

Pottering in the Past, by William Millinship, published 1965 (article) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 12602]
Includes the excavations at Fishbourne Roman Palace

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1964: Fourth Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1965 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 45 issue 1, article, pp.1-11) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6423][Lib 1850]   View Online
Abstract:
During the fourth season of excavation at Fishbourne work was spread over an area of about ten acres, most of it being concentrated on three main sites: the west wing of the main building, the eastern half of the north wing, and the southern half of the east wing. In addition, exploratory trenches were dug through the area to the north of the north wing and several trial excavations were made in gardens to the south of the modern main road. Previously, in December 1963 and January 1964, limited excavations had been undertaken in the garden of no. 65 Fishbourne Road, in the area of the greenhouses to the west of the main site, and in other gardens further west.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1965: Fifth Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1966 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 46 issue 1, article, pp.26-38) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6424][Lib 1852]   View Online
Abstract:
The excavations of 1965 were largely concerned with the examination of the field containing the east and west wings of the palace and the Great Court which lies between them. As last year's work had almost completed the outline plan of the palace, the 1965 season was concentrated upon the detailed examination of the audience chamber and the entrance hall, the sample excavation of the garden about which practically nothing was known, and the area excavation of those parts of the timber and early masonry buildings belonging to the first-period settlement which had not previously been examined. In addition to this, trial trenches were cut through the newly acquired market-garden to the west of the main site, and further trenching was carried out in the fields to the north of the north wing and the field to the south of the modern main road. The final excavation of the north wing of the palace has been postponed until next season, after the construction of the modern cover-building has been completed.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1966: Sixth Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1967 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 47 issue 1, article, pp.51-59) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 1854]   View Online
Abstract:
The excavations conducted in the summer of 1966 were concentrated upon two projects: the final excavation of the previously unexamined parts of the North Wing, and of the early structures lying beneath it, and the large-scale stripping of selected areas of the garden belonging to the Roman palace. The modern cover-building, which is being erected by the Sussex Archaeological Trust over the remains of the Roman North Wing and which was begun in July 1965, had reached a state of near-completion by September 1966. The excavation work beneath was therefore carried out with the benefit of a roof above it, but with minor inconveniences incurred by being surrounded by builders and subcontractors. Earlier in the year some trial trenching had been carried out in the modern gardens of houses which now occupy the site of the Period I bath building. This work, though limited, has added considerably to the outline plan hitherto available.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1967: Seventh and Final Interim Report, by Barry Cunliffe, published March 1968 in The Antiquaries Journal (vol. 48 issue 1, article, pp.31-40) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 1856]   View Online
Abstract:
The last major season in the present series of excavations at Fishbourne took place between 29th July and 2nd September, with a labour force restricted to sixty volunteers a day. This year the main effort was concentrated upon the excavation of the garden belonging to the Flavian Palace: a substantial area was examined during the main period of work, but it was not until the early spring that the final stages were completed by a small team of volunteers working in conjunction with a mechanical excavator. Several other areas were examined during the summer. By great good fortune a small site became available for study on the south side of the modern main road, providing for the first time clear evidence that the Palace possessed a South Wing. On the main site, the east front of the aisled hall was excavated together with the early levels beneath it, and further work was undertaken on the west front of the entrance hall. Finally, some time was spent finishing details of the excavation of the area lying north of the West Wing and west of the North Wing-a site which in the previous spring had been almost totally excavated, prior to the building of the site Museum and concourse.

Mr. I. D. Margary's Address at the Preview of Fishbourne Roman Palace, by H. S. M. [H. S. Martin], published November 1968 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XVII no. 2, article, pp.37-38) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8235] & The Keep [LIB/500219] & S.A.S. library

Fishbourne's Head Custodian, by I. D. Margary, published May 1969 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XVII no. 3, note, p.106) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8235] & The Keep [LIB/500219] & S.A.S. library

Fishbourne: The Roman Palace and its History, published c.1970 (pamphlet) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 5462]

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1961-1969. Vol I - The Site; Vol II - The Finds, by Barry Cunliffe, published 1971 (The Society of Antiquarians & printed at W. S. Manley) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Fishbourne: A Roman Palace and Its Garden, by Barry Cunliffe, published 1 May 1971 (Thames and Hudson, ISBN-10: 050039007X & ISBN-13: 9780500390078) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 15826] & West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:
The discovery in the early 1960s of the site of a Roman palace and its garden at Fishbourne, near Chichester, was by far the most important and exciting achievement of Romano-British archaeology for very many years. Lasting for a decade, the excavation was supervised by one of the most brilliant younger British archaeologists, and involved the efforts of over a thousand people. As work proceeded, it became clear that the site was indeed that of a palace, the great size, the many mosaic floors and the luxurious appointments all indicating this. Excavation showed that the palace possessed a military function and must have been connected with the Roman invasion of AD43 and its aftermath. The high-ranking occupant was probably Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, a British client-king who had been granted Roman citizenship under Claudius. Quite as remarkable as the palace itself is the large formal garden around which it was built: no comparable Roman garden has been discovered west of Italy itself. Fishbourne is now open to the public and this invaluable book provides a complete history of the palace, from its military origins up to its final destruction by fire. The text is fully supported by photographs of all stages of the dig, of the mosaics and other finds, and with many plans.

The Fishbourne Story, by Ivan D. Margary, published November 1971 in Britannia (vol. 2, article, pp.117-121) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 10723]   View Online
Abstract:
Fishbourne is a village situated about one mile west of Chichester, of which it now forms an outer suburb, for it lies within the city boundary. The main trunk road to Portsmouth passes through it, with detached houses, mostly of Victorian style, on each side, while behind them on the north lay some 14 acres of farm land extending to the Coast Line main railway. Early in 1960 a trunk water-main was carried through these fields by mechanical excavation. Since 1805 Roman material has been known to exist here, and with the assistance of the engineers engaged in the work local archaeologists kept watch. The results were soon dramatic, for huge blocks of masonry were dislodged, together with tesserae, while the pottery found included some of Claudian date. Clearly a proper excavation was necessary, and arrangements for this were made.

A possible Roman Road to Fishbourne, by C. G. Searle, published December 1972 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 8, article, p.32) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

Roman Palace at Fishbourne, Art & Artifacts, by David Higginbottom and Robin Corfield, published 1974 (Lund Humphries/Sussex Archaeological Trust) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Conversion of the Dolphin Mosaic reveals a new floor at Fishbourne Palace, by David Rudkin, published April 1980 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 30, article, p.195, ISSN: 0307-2568) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

The Origins of Fishbourne, by Tom Beaumont, published December 1981 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 35, article, p.252, ISSN: 0307-2568) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

The Roman Army returns to Fishbourne, by David Rudkin, published December 1981 in Sussex Archæological Society Newsletter (no. 35, article, p.252, ISSN: 0307-2568) accessible at: S.A.S. library   Download PDF

Fishbourne: A Guide to the Site, by Barry Cunliffe, published 1983 (booklet) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9006] & West Sussex Libraries

Excavations at the Roman Palace, Fishbourne, 1983, by David J. Rudkin, published 1985 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 123, archaeological note, pp.256-259) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9514] & The Keep [LIB/500310] & S.A.S. library

Fishbourne Roman Palace: The Roman Farming Project, by Peter J. Reynolds, published 1986 (pamphlet) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 15710]

The Excavation of a Romano-British Site by Chichester Harbour, Fishbourne, by David J. Rudkin, published 1986 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 124, article, pp.51-78) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9762] & The Keep [LIB/500311] & S.A.S. library

The Roman Villas of South-East England, by E. W. Black, published 1 September 1987 (252 pp., British Archaeological Reports, ISBN-10: 0860544575 & ISBN-13: 9780860544579) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

Appendix One: The dating of the proto-palace and palace of Fishbourne, by E.W. Black, published 1 September 1987 in The Roman villas of South-East England (pp.84-87, British Archaeological Reports, ISBN-10: 0860544575 & ISBN-13: 9780860544579) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

Amphora stamps from Fishbourne, by Colin Wallace, published November 1988 in Britannia (vol. 19, note, p.406)   View Online

Fishbourne revisited: the site in its context, by Barry Cunliffe, published 1991 in Journal of Roman Archaeology (vol. 4, article, pp.160-169, Cambridge University Press)
Abstract:
The excavation of the Roman complex at Fishbourne near Chichester in southern England began in 1961. The excavation lasted for 8 seasons, and the results were published in 1971 (Cunliffe 1971). The coincidence of these dates appealed to the aniversary-conscious editor of this Jpornal, who suggested to the writer that 1991 would be an appropriate occasion to stand back to consider Fishbourne in the light of our greatly enhanced knowledge of the formative years of the province of Britannia.

Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex: Carbonized plant macrofossils from garden features, by W. Carruthers, published 1991 in Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England Ancient Monuments Laboratory Report  (130(91), article, pp.293-325)

The period 1C bath-building at Fishbourne and the problem of the 'Proto-palace', by E. W. Black, published 1993 in Journal of Roman Archaeology (vol. 6, article, pp.233-237, Cambridge University Press)
Abstract:
In this paper I will offer a new interpretation of one of the major periods of the site, the so-called 'proto-palace' of period 1C, that disassociates it from king Cogidubnus.

A Royal Portrait From Fishbourne, West Sussex, by Martin Henig, published 1996 in Journal of the British Archaeological Association (vol. 149, article, pp.83-86)   View Online

Reading a 1st-century Roman gold signet ring from Fishbourne, by Roger S. O. Tomlin, published 1997 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 135, article, pp.127-130) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 13642] & The Keep [LIB/500290] & S.A.S. library

Fishbourne Roman Palace, by Barry Cunliffe, published 1 June 1998 (160 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752414089 & ISBN-13: 9780752414089) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:
Professor Barry Cunliffe's historic excavation of the site unfolds the history of the palace, its military beginnings, and its final destruction.

Roman Chichester and Fishbourne, by John Magilton and David Rudkin, published 1 January 1999 in An Historical Atlas of Sussex (pp.26-27, Chichester: Phillimore & Co. Ltd, ISBN-10: 1860771122 & ISBN-13: 9781860771125) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 14026][Lib 18777] & The Keep [LIB/501686][LIB/508903] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

Measurement and metaphor: the design and meaning of Building 3 at Fishbourne Roman Palace, by John Manley, published 2000 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 138, article, pp.103-114) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 14509] & The Keep [LIB/500298] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Abstract:
The line of thought presented in this article was prompted by a practical exercise, organized by the author, at Fishbourne Roman Palace in the summer of 1999. The main aim of that work was to elucidate how the surveyors and architects of nearly two thousand years ago had laid out the ground-plan of a Roman building (which we call 'Building 3'), uncovered between 1995 and 1999. That functional aim was achieved relatively quickly and easily. However, in reading more widely on the subject of Roman architectural practice, it became evident to me that there were other layers of meaning, apart from the geometry of ground-plans and specifics of Roman units of measurement. Considering the writings of Vitruvius prompted ideas about how the builders and users of Building 3 might have employed symmetry, experienced harmony, and read different metaphors into that particular masonry building. Indeed, the very units of measurement could have been drawn from the metaphor of the human body. These concepts are presented in this article. These ideas are stimulating, and even provocative; they suggest new and different ways of looking at a whole range of Roman buildings and this article reveals a potential for further enquiry, in the hope that in due course someone will realize that potential.

Bone-dry. An innovative, but possibly unsuccessful 18th century agricultural practice at Fishbourne, West Sussex, by John Manley and David Rudkin, published 2001 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 139, shorter article, pp.234-240) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 14916] & The Keep [LIB/500292] & S.A.S. library

Facing the Palace, Fishbourne 1995-99. Fishbourne Revisited, by Barry Cunliffe, published 2003 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 141, article, pp.1-5) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500293] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Facing the Palace: Excavations in front of the Roman Palace at Fishbourne, by John Manley and David Rudkin, published 2003 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 141, article, pp.1-160) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500293] & S.A.S. library   View Online

A Pre-A.D. 43 Ditch at Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, by John Manley and David Rudkin, published November 2005 in Britannia (vol. 36, article, pp.55-99)   View Online
Abstract:
This article details the first unambiguous evidence for occupation in the Late Iron Age, dating to around 10 b.c.-a.d. 25, at the site that was to develop into the Roman Palace at Fishbourne (near Chichester, Sussex). The collection of sealed and well-dated imported and local pottery, accompanied by food refuse and a copper-alloy scabbard fitting, suggests significant activity at the site a generation prior to the Roman Conquest of a.d. 43. The material was found in the bottom of a ditch that had been deliberately back-filled. As such this discovery opens a new chapter in the remarkable story of Fishbourne.

The Fishbourne Book, edited by Mary Hand, published 2006 (672 pp., The Fishbourne Book Group, ISBN-10: 0862605652 & ISBN-13: 9780862605650) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 15709] & West Sussex Libraries

More buildings facing the Palace at Fishbourne, by John Manley and David Rudkin, published 2006 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 144, article, pp.69-113) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 15759] & The Keep [LIB/500362] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Abstract:
This is the final report documenting the results of the recent excavations by the Sussex Archaeological Society in front of the Roman Palace at Fishbourne, near Chichester. This report deals with Area C, excavated in 2002. One of the principal discoveries, the pre-AD 43 ditch, has been reported elsewhere (Manley & Rudkin 2005b). This report concentrates on the post-AD 43 features and finds, of which the structural highlights are the partial remains of two further buildings, one constructed in timber, the other with flint foundations. These two buildings, together with the two revealed previously, suggest that in this area there was a complicated series of developments pre- and post-Palace. There is an extensive digital archive to this report on the Archaeology Data Service website.

Fishbourne, Chichester, and Togidubnus rex revisited, by Ernest Black, published 2008 in Journal of Roman Archaeology (vol. 21, article, pp.293-303, Cambridge University Press)

Animals as status symbols? Pigs and cattle in Iron Age/Roman West Sussex, by Martyn Allen, published April 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 114, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Preview:
The role of animals in archaeology has traditionally been thought of from an economic perspective, with animal bone reports highlighting 'calories consumed' or 'yields produced'. More recently, the social importance of animals, as in ritual practices, ethnic values or symbolically in art, have been emphasised.

New directions at Fishbourne: Christine Medlock looks forward to the future, by Christine Medlock, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Preview:
My appointment as Director Fishbourne Roman Palace coincided with the opportunity for a retrospective; Fishbourne has been open to the public for 40 years, providing visitors with a showcase of what is best about museum display and heritage. This opening was celebrated with a 60s themed event on May 31.

Order out of Chaos: Managing the Fishbourne Collections, by Rob Symmons and Gordon Hayden, published December 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 116, article, p.7, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Scan Confirms Nero's Head: Full story and images of rare statue head, by Christine Medlock, published April 2010 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 120, article, p.11, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Preview:
As briefly reported in the last issue, a 3-D scan of a damaged statue head at Fishbourne Roman Palace has revealed that it is probably a rare depiction of Roman Emperor Nero as a youngster. Curator of the Collections Discovery Centre at Fishbourne Dr Rob Symmons, in collaboration with Dr Miles Russell and Harry Manley of Bournemouth University, ran scans on the head in order to recreate the damaged parts of the face. Rob Symmons said: "First impressions indicated that this was a portrait of Nero as a boy, which was very exciting as that would make it one of only three of its kind in the world. Previously, we had always assumed the boy was related to the royal family who lived here." Miles Russell added: "The scan gave us a more complete picture of the missing parts of the face, confirming our theory that it is a depiction of Nero. This suggests there may have been links between the Chichester area and one of the most famous Roman emperors of all time."

Animalscapes and empire : new perspectives on the Iron Age/Romano British transition , by Martyn George Allen, 2011 at University of Nottingham (Ph.D. thesis)   View Online
abstract:
Human-animal relationships have long existed, across cultures, in many varied forms. The associations between the two are integral to the creation, form, use and perception of landscapes and environments. Despite this, animals are all too often absent from our views of ancient landscapes. Humans experience their diverse environments through a variety of media, and animals regularly play an important role in this type of exchange. Landscape archaeology commonly emphasises the influences of humanity upon the physical world. However, such engagement is rarely unilateral. Whether herding domesticated mammals, hunting quarry, or merely experiencing the range of fauna which populate the world, many of these interactions leave physical traces in the landscape: the form and location of settlements, enclosures, pathways, woodland, pasture, and meadows. Also, in more subtle ways, human and animal actors work together in performances through which people subconsciously generate their perceptions of landscape and environment. These physical and psychological animal landscapes have the potential to inform on human society and ideology. This thesis seeks to utilise zoo archaeological evidence to examine this concept. Animalscape research could be applied to any place or period but as a case study this project will explore, through animal bone analysis, how landscape and environment were used to negotiate cultural identity during the Iron Age/Romano-British transition, a pivotal but poorly understood period in British history. Research focuses on a c.200 km2 area of land bordering the West Sussex coast. This is a complex and singular locale, encompassing a number of Iron Age and Romano-British sites - most notably the elite settlement at Fishbourne which originated in the late Iron Age and developed, towards the end of the 1st century AD, into the largest 'Roman-style' domestic building north of the Alps. The site has been excavated a number of times in different areas since its discovery in 1960 until 2002; the various investigations producing a large quantity of animal bone. Yet this has, until now however, only been subjected to piecemeal analysis. The full re-analysis of the Fishbourne faunal assemblage is central to this project. To place these new data in their wider context, existing animal bone information from all pertinent published and 'grey' zoo archaeological literature is synthesised. The resulting datasets allow for a detailed examination of animal landscapes across the Iron Age/Romano-British transition at three nested scales: site and context; hinterland/region; and, Empire. Integrating the zooarchaeological data with evidence from landscape and environment studies, Iron Age/Roman archaeology, ancient history and, most importantly, social anthropology is key to this project. A new theoretical framework is adopted here, whereby animals are seen not simply as passive indicators of economy and environment but as active beings, providing visual, audio and physical experience, and it is through these novel approaches by considering the human-animal-landscape relationship, that a new insight into the cultural changes of the Iron Age to Romano-British transition will be obtained.

New animals, new landscapes and new world views: the Iron Age to Roman transition at Fishbourne, by Martyn Allen and Naomi Sykes, published 2011 in Sussex Archæological Collections (vol. 149, article, pp.7-24) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 18614] & The Keep [LIB/500367] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Abstract:
Anthropologists and cultural geographers have long accepted that animals play an important role in the creation of human cultures. However, such beliefs are yet to be embraced by archaeologists, who seldom give zoo archaeological data much consideration beyond the occasional economic or environmental reconstruction. In an attempt to highlight animal remains as a source of cultural information, this paper examines the evidence for the changing relationship between people and wild animals in Iron Age and Roman southern England. Special attention is given to 'exotic' species - in particular fallow deer, domestic fowl and the hare - whose management increased around AD 43. In Iron Age Britain the concept of wild game reserves was seemingly absent, but the post-Conquest appearance of new landscape features such as vivaria, leporaria and piscinae indicates a change in worldview from a situation where people seemingly negotiated with the 'wilderness' and 'wild things' to one where people felt they had the right or the responsibility to bring them to order. Using Fishbourne Roman Palace as a case study, we argue that wild and exotic animals represented far more than gastronomic treats or symbols of Roman identity, instead influencing the way in which people engaged with, traversed and experienced their surroundings.

Note from the Roman Palace at Fishbourne (Sussex): A Roman Magic Lead Figurine?, by Magali Bailliot and Robert Symmons, published November 2012 in Britannia (vol. 43, note, pp.249-260)   View Online

Excavations at Fishbourne: Old spoil heaps still have a story to tell!, by Dr. Rob Symmons, published December 2012 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 128, article, p.9, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library   View Online
Preview:
For the first time since 2002, a research excavation has been undertaken at Fishbourne Roman Palace, but this was not an excavation in the conventional sense. In March this year we took a sample of approximately one tonne from the spoil heaps created in the 1960s when the Palace was originally excavated. Of course, the sample was of mixed and unstratified excavation waste. It contained modern artefacts such as bottle tops, nails and 20th century coins that were left by the archaeologists nearly 50 years ago, but crucially also any Roman material that they did not recover or deliberately discarded.

Mosaics of Fishbourne Roman Palace, by Derrick Napier, published 25 March 2015 (84 pp., UK Book Publishing, ISBN-10: 1910223212 & ISBN-13: 9781910223215) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

Obituary: Margaret Rule 1928 - 2015: The first Curator of Fishbourne Roman Palace, by Geoffrey Curtis, published August 2015 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 136, obituary, p.12, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507923] & S.A.S. library   View Online

Two Heads Better Than One! Is this confirmation that the Fishbourne head is really Nero?, by Neville and Mary Haskins, published April 2016 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 138, article, p.8, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507923] & S.A.S. library
Preview:
One of the most iconic finds from the excavation of the Palace of Fishbourne was a fragment of a marble head depicting a young man. Originally thought to be a head of a local noble, recent research has suggested it may be the head of young Nero.

Fishbourne Mosaics: 'Friends' group funds comprehensive photographic survey, by Rob Symmons, published August 2017 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 142, article, p.11, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507923] & S.A.S. library

Fishbourne 50 years on, by Katrina Burton, published December 2017 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 143, article, p.4, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/507923] & S.A.S. library