Roman Dover
Roman Dover, the British port
closest to the rest of the Roman Empire was a thriving town,
thought to have covered at least a five hectare area along the Dour
valley. The Romans called the town DUBRIS after DUBRAS, the British
name meaning 'waters'.
The Roman town had a large harbour,
flanked by two lighthouses and three successive forts.
Over 60 sites from the Roman period
have been found in the Dover area. Sites which are open to the
public include the Roman Painted House at Dover, the Roman
lighthouse or Pharos in Dover Castle grounds and the Roman fort of
Richborough near Sandwich.
The museum holds a large collection
of Roman Samian ware found in the area.