United Kingdom

Carpow Roman Fort

Roman fort in Scotland, late 2nd–early 3rd century AD

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The Roman Fort of Carpow was situated at the confluence of the rivers Tay and Earn in what is now Scotland. It was a large fortress with an area of thirty acres occupied by two legions at different times, Legio II Augusta and Legio VI Victrix, and thus of solid, permanent construction using stone, brick and tiles. The fort was occupied from the late second century AD until the early third century AD. The site of the fort has not been comprehensively excavated but it is believed to have served as a naval supply depot for Roman forces in the central lowlands. Its occupation also coincided with the campaigns of Septimius Severus in the area. However, its site on the southern side of the Tay estuary is incompatible with its use as a base for Severan offensive operations to the north and, along with other evidence, it is more likely that the fortress was built under Commodus in 185 to support his campaigns. It has been suggested that the Carpow fort was the place named as "Horrea Classis" or "Poreo Classis" in the Ravenna Cosmography.

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Occupation period

late 2nd century AD–early 3rd century AD

Probable construction under Commodus

185 AD

Archaeological excavations

1964–1979

Classification

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Storage Structures

Granaries
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Defensive Structures

FortressesDefensive WallsRamparts
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Public BathsAdministrative Buildings
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Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

56.35° N, -3.28° E