Archaeology case study:
Burnswark Hill, Dumfriesshire.
The Trimiontium Trust has has worked at this enigmatic hill fort site for over a decade. With the help of National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Trimontium Trust investigated the actions of the Roman army at the controversial site of Burnswark Hill in Dumfriesshire.
The site consists of two still impressive Roman camps which flank an 18 acre native hillfort on the summit of the hill which commands the northern aspect of the Solway Plain.
Previous interpretations led early investigators to suggest the site was a siege complex but in the 1960s this was rejected in favour of a non-conflict scenario. Latterly, following excavations in the late 60s and early 70s, this had developed into a full-blown Roman training camp hypothesis. This hypothesis was not universally accepted and more work was recommended by ScARF (Scottish Archaeological Research Framework).
The advent of techniques used in battlefield archaeology (particularly metal detection of projectiles) has allowed the Trust to take a fresh look at the site and uncover spectacular new data. This includes novel discoveries about the ballistic capabilities of the Roman Army. The Trust has recently returned to the site in the Summer of 2025 to continue this work and explore further the stories hidden within this fascinating landscape for 2000 years.
Come along to the museum in Melrose and learn more about this amazing site. Why not book in for our Hillfort Under Attack VR experience and experience the fate of the native hill fort dwellers under the attack of the Roman army.
