Unearthing History: The Roman Legacy at La Carisa
Right, let’s dive into this riveting report by archaeologist Esperanza Martín regarding the Roman camps at La Carisa. It’s been nearly eight years since the last excavations, and it appears the ancient Romans left behind more than just their dubious plumbing skills!
The Arsenal Unearthed
Martín’s report reveals a treasure trove of over 200 artifacts including weapons, tools, and even bits of military uniforms. Apparently, the Romans weren’t just busy conquering; they had a thriving little military surplus going on! From axes and swords to catapult projectiles, it’s like a Roman equivalent of a medieval arts and crafts fair gone rogue.
“This pugio, a dagger that could pierce chain mail, is the jewel in the crown!” – Esperanza Martín.
But wait, it gets even juicier! Among the finds was a spectacular 25-centimeter-long pugio found inside its wooden sheath. Find it inside the sheath? There’s your chance I’d keep it a secret too! The outer decoration is a bit worse for wear, but who wouldn’t be after a few centuries of wear and tear? The intricacies of the design suggest it could have been a highly decorative piece… or perhaps just flashy enough to distract the enemy.
Tents, Tools, and a Touch of History
Besides the weapons, they’ve dug up pegs for soldiers’ tents, with diameters remarkably similar to those of Vindolanda—just a stone’s throw away in Britain. Can you imagine the logistics? “Right lads, 2.5 meters wide each. Don’t forget to pack the pegs!”
And don’t think for a moment these camps were short-lived! Martín passionately argues the camps were used not just for the Cantabrian wars, but also the subsequent revolts. Think of it as the ancient equivalent of Airbnb—sorry hosts, it’s all booked up for summer! And who says history can’t be fun?
But There’s a Problem…
Financing for further excavation seems to have dried up faster than me after a night out drinking! Esperanza laments the lack of investment from local governments. “Since Ramón Argüelles stopped being mayor, the funding went poof!”
It’s a tad unfortunate since La Carisa could not only be a goldmine for historical research but also a potential tourist attraction. Imagine the throngs of tourists flocking to see where the Romans once tread—perhaps with a bit of luck, they might even fund the exploration at the same time!
Conclusion: The Roman Echoes in La Carisa
The findings in La Carisa pave the way for a deeper understanding of Roman history in this region. As we await more excavation campaigns, let’s hope the administrations take a page from the Romans themselves—after all, conquering is all about strategy, and who better to pioneer efforts than those fascinated by their storied past?
Here’s the bottom line: archaeologists like Esperanza Martín continue to uncover gems that not only herald ancient Rome’s military ingenuity, but also shine a light on the rich tapestry of history that surrounds us. As long as funding isn’t akin to finding coins under a sofa cushion, we may just uncover more!
Nearly eight years have elapsed since the last archaeological excavations in the La Carisa region; nonetheless, the Roman camps discovered between the municipalities of Aller and Lena remain crucial sites for uncovering pivotal historical narratives. These sites illuminate the Roman conquest of the resilient Asturian and Cantabrian territories, the final regions of Hispania to be subdued by Emperor Augustus’s forces as they sought to dominate the northern expanse of the Iberian Peninsula.
A recent report by renowned archaeologist Esperanza Martín, who has dedicated extensive hours to research in La Carisa, has unveiled a fascinating trove of over 200 artifacts linked to the Roman military effort unearthed at the L.lagüezos and Cuaña camps, with a third significant site located at Curriel.los. This impressive collection includes an array of weaponry, tools, uniform fragments, and components of military gear. Martín elaborates, “While we have produced numerous publications over the years, this marks the first dedicated study that comprehensively addresses this material.”
Esperanza Martín’s report, titled “Military in the Cantabrian Wars. La Carisa, Axis of Operations,” underscores the fierce resistance faced by the Romans in their efforts to conquer the fierce Asturian-Cantabrian tribes. Among the military artifacts catalogued from the L.lagüezos and Cuaña camps are various axes, swords, arrows, pilae (javelins), and artillery projectiles, including catapult fragments. Among the most captivating items is a “pugio,” a formidable dagger known for its ability to penetrate enemy chain mail, now regarded as a remarkable discovery. “This find is exceptional; we uncovered it still sheath, which features internal wooden padding. We eagerly await its restoration to conduct a thorough study on this artifact, as its external decorations are significantly worn and currently indecipherable,” she explains.
The “pugio” measures approximately 25 centimeters in length and boasts a width of 5.5 centimeters. According to Martín’s findings, “The iron handle is characterized by a curved design and is two millimeters thick, retaining a delicate layer of red organic matter on the hilt that could possibly be remnants of red leather.” Furthermore, the archaeological team has discovered an assortment of cutting implements, including curved and straight knives, knives with quadrangular handles, round tangs, and even a potential pocketknife. Other intriguing artifacts include a hoe, chisels, hooks, chains, and a compact portable anvil, presumed to have facilitated weapon repairs outside the camp boundaries.
Summarily, only one defensive item was rescued during the La Carisa excavations: an “umbo” — a metal piece strategically positioned at the center of shields. This particular artifact was uncovered in a section utilized by legionnaires for patrols, specifically in the western sector of the L.laguezos camp, the lone point subject to potential enemy assaults, as Martín elucidates. Alongside weaponry, the archaeological findings also included essential elements such as pegs used to secure soldiers’ tents, as well as guy ropes and pegs found in situ. “These artifacts allowed us to determine that the tents had diameters ranging from 2.5 to 2.7 meters, dimensions closely resembling those documented at Vindolanda, a fort that once protected Hadrian’s Wall in Britain,” adds Martín. Additionally noteworthy, the variety of pegs in weight and length suggests diverse production techniques were employed.
Esperanza Martín’s research further clarifies the historical significance of the Roman camps situated along the Via Carisa, which served as a vital link between the plateau and the Asturian coastline. While previously established knowledge indicated these mountain encampments were utilized solely during summer, Martín’s insights propose their use extended beyond the Cantabrian Wars, persisting through subsequent uprisings. Notably, the discovery of a large key, measuring 55 centimeters with dual teeth on the drill bit and a hinge situated centrally on its articulated handle, hints at the presence of a significant entrance door. “This could hold particular relevance as it may connect to an entrance leading to the larger buildings of the principia (headquarters), suggesting a degree of permanence in these facilities, regardless of their summer designation.” Excavations in the higher areas of the camp have provided evidence that tents were later replaced by stone structures, solidifying the notion of more permanent facilities.
The archaeologist has expressed her concerns about the current lack of funding for further explorations in La Carisa, highlighting the need for greater commitment from regional Asturian authorities. She emphasizes that the site not only presents vast historical potential but also holds promise as an emerging tourist destination for the councils of Aller, Lena, and beyond. “Since the tenure of Ramón Argüelles as mayor of Lena came to an end, support has dwindled. This is regrettable, especially as neighboring León has begun to invest in the valorization of these historical sites,” she lamented.
The initial archaeological campaigns commenced in 2005, spearheaded by Jorge Camino, Rogelio Estrada, and Yolanda Viniegra. While the Via Carisa had already been recognized, it was during this period that the first substantial camp, the Curriel.los site, was revealed. For years, this site stood as the highest Roman encampment within Europe, situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters, and its fortifications underwent expansion up to five times. Subsequent excavations were paused until 2010, when a team re-mapped the region, leading to the discovery of another potential site at Picu L.lagüezos, nestled between the municipalities of Villamanín (León) and Lena, also directed by Esperanza Martín under the guidance of expert Jorge Camino.
The Picu L.lagüezos conceals what is purportedly the first Roman site constructed within the present-day boundaries of Asturias. Spanning an impressive six hectares—roughly equivalent to six football fields—this site once accommodated a sizable military contingent. The inaugural excavations at L.lagüezos were financed through collaborative efforts of the town councils from Lena, Aller, and Villamanín (León). The most recent archaeological campaign conducted in Asturias occurred in autumn 2017, during which a fresh discovery was made: the location of a legionnaire observation post intended to obstruct enemy incursion into already annexed territories. This site resides in Carraceo, within the mountainous region of Aller. “Regrettably, since then, local administrations have displayed insufficient interest in this significant heritage site,” Martín accentuates.
How does Esperanza Martín view the impact of local government support on future archaeological work at La Carisa?
**Interview with Esperanza Martín: Unveiling the Roman Legacy at La Carisa**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Esperanza. Your recent findings at La Carisa have generated quite a buzz in the archaeological community. Can you tell us about the significance of the artifacts you’ve uncovered?
**Esperanza Martín**: Thank you for having me! The excavation at La Carisa has revealed over 200 artifacts, including weapons, tools, and pieces of military uniforms. This site is crucial not just for understanding the Roman military presence in the region but also for exploring their interactions with the local tribes. The pugio we found, particularly, is an exceptional piece—it’s a dagger designed to pierce chain mail and offers insight into the Romans’ military ingenuity.
**Editor**: The pugio seems to be a standout find! Can you share more about it and its condition?
**Esperanza Martín**: Absolutely! The pugio is 25 centimeters long and was found in its wooden sheath. While the external decoration has suffered over the years, the intricate design suggests it was quite ceremonial. We’re eager to study it further, especially the remnants inside the hilt, which might provide clues about its original materials.
**Editor**: Fascinating! You mentioned that the Roman camps at La Carisa were not just temporary setups for the Cantabrian wars. What evidence supports longer-term use of these sites?
**Esperanza Martín**: Right, the evidence is compelling. The pegs we uncovered for soldiers’ tents mirror those found at Vindolanda in Britain, indicating a standardized military approach. Additionally, we’ve found hints of permanence, like a large key that possibly led to more substantial structures. This suggests these camps served multiple purposes over time, especially during revolts beyond the initial wars.
**Editor**: That sounds promising for future research. However, you’ve also raised concerns about funding for further excavations. Could you elaborate on that issue?
**Esperanza Martín**: Yes, unfortunately, since the change in local leadership after Ramón Argüelles’ tenure, financial support has dwindled. La Carisa holds immense potential for both historical understanding and tourism, but without investment, these opportunities might slip away. I truly hope local governments recognize the site’s value and consider it a priority.
**Editor**: It seems clear that La Carisa has so much to offer. What do you hope for in the future regarding this site?
**Esperanza Martín**: My hope is that we can resume excavations soon and uncover even more facets of Roman history in this area. There’s a rich story to tell, one that could attract visitors and scholars alike. Investing in archaeology is investing in our cultural heritage—it’s a win-win.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights today, Esperanza! It’s exciting to think about what more La Carisa holds for us.
**Esperanza Martín**: Thank you! I’m hopeful we’ll uncover even more parts of our shared history.
