Home / Science / Massive Roman Whetstone Hoard Discovered
Massive Roman Whetstone Hoard Discovered
5 Feb
Summary
- 800 whetstones found, largest cache in NW Europe.
- Site reveals Roman Britain's manufacturing and trade network.
- Finds date from 42 to 238 AD, indicating sophisticated activity.
A significant Roman industrial complex has been uncovered near Sunderland in northern England, yielding over 800 whetstones and 11 stone anchors. This cache, dating from 42 to 238 AD, is described as the largest known whetstone find of its period in Northwest Europe. The discoveries firmly place Northeast England within the sophisticated manufacturing and trade network of Roman Britain.
The excavation along the River Wear has revealed a major Roman production hub. Archaeologists believe hundreds, if not thousands, more whetstones might be present. The whetstones, essential for sharpening tools across all Roman crafts, were found alongside evidence of their manufacturing process, including discarded pieces and shatter.
Many of the recovered whetstones were production rejects, failing to meet Roman standards for uniformity and durability. Their deliberate discarding into the river, mixed with manufacturing waste, points to routine industrial activity. This find significantly extends the known timeline of human activity along the River Wear by over 1,800 years.
