The Taberna Structures of Roman Britain

Grand public buildings and opulent villas more often than not steal the limelight from more mundane structures such as shops and workshops which, nevertheless, played a vital role in catering for the needs of Roman Britain. This thesis assesses evidence from major sites across the country to present a systematic study of the range of tabernae that have been discovered whilst discussing their significance for our understanding of local urban economies as well as the wider Romano-British economy. Drawing on archaeological evidence from sites in Verulamium, Cirencester, Wroxeter, London, Caerwent, Vindolanda and elsewhere and, making comparisons with the well-preserved structures of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Rome and Ostia, MacMahon examines the construction of tabernae, their plan, counters, and doorways as well as covered walkways, methods of selling and display, the economics of tabernae and their location across Britain.