Excavation of the legionary defences

The view looks along the ditch of the legionary defences excavated in Rack Street in 1975. This ditch had a ‘Punic’ profile, allowing attackers to jump down into it but making escape much more difficult. On the left is the steep outer side of the ditch whilst the more gentle slope to the right leads up to the foot of the fortress rampart. To the rear of the view the section shows the deposits which backfilled the ditch after the legion had left Exeter.

Standing in the ditch in the wet winter of 1975 is Dr John Salvatore, now a member of staff of Exeter Archaeology. He holds a 2m ranging rod.

Acknowledgments: Exeter Archaeology