An astonishing discovery in an unassuming garden near Stirling, Scotland, has unearthed a 2,000-year-old Roman road, rewriting our understanding of the region’s history. Located just outside the city center, the cobbled path, believed to be built by General Julius Agricola’s forces in the 1st century AD, is being hailed as the most significant road ever found in Scotland.
This well-preserved remnant connected to a ford, an ancient river crossing, over the River Forth. The strategic importance of this route is evident – it provided access to the Highlands and lay close to Stirling, Scotland’s former capital. Archaeologists believe the Romans used this passage not only during Agricola’s invasion but also in subsequent campaigns under emperors Antonine and Severan in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
But the significance of this road stretches far beyond the Roman era. Stirling Council Archaeologist Murray Cook, who led the excavation, explains, “This road wasn’t just for the Romans. It’s been walked by centuries of leaders, including the real Macbeth.” The list of historical figures who likely traversed this path includes Scottish royalty like Robert the Bruce and English rulers like William the Conqueror and Oliver Cromwell. William Wallace, the legendary Scottish hero, is also believed to have used this route.
Cook further highlights the road’s enduring importance: “We’ve always known this area was strategically significant, but the exact route of the Roman road remained a mystery. This discovery fills that gap in our knowledge.” The path led south towards Falkirk, eventually connecting to England, and north towards a crossing over the River Tay, marking the edge of the Roman Empire.
The unearthed portion reveals a worn-down surface, unsurprising as the road wasn’t maintained after the Romans departed. “The road became an eroded hollow after the Romans left,” explains Cook. He adds that historical records mention a ford documented here in 1304, suggesting its continued use long after Roman occupation.
Stirling Council leader Chris Kane sees this discovery as a powerful reminder of the region’s rich past. “This year marks the 900th anniversary of Stirling, and we have a millennium of built heritage to showcase,” he says. “But this find takes us back even further, to the very beginnings of Stirling’s story, when the Romans crossed the Forth.”
The unearthed Roman road adds another chapter to Stirling’s remarkable history, offering a tangible connection to the region’s past and attracting visitors eager to experience this unique piece of Scotland’s heritage.
Source: Stirling Council