EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBUR"i^ RINGS. 263 



large accumulation of mould, &c., had become deposited since 

 the floor was exposed to the air. In these cuttings the floor 

 was stained a uniform light reddish-brown colour, which may 

 probably have been caused by continuous exposure to sun and 

 rain, although at first it was suggested that it might possibly be 

 the result of spilt blood. 



Perhaps the most interesting feature about the arena floor was 

 the fact that in most places it was co^'ered with a gravelly 

 substance, or " shingle," which no doubt took the place of the 

 sand, &c., used by the Romans to dress the floors of their amphi- 

 theatres, to fill up uneven patches, to prevent the slipping of 

 gladiators, and probably to absorb the blood of combatants, 

 ]\Ir. Jukes-Browne has kindly examined this material, and 

 although his full report is reserved, it must be stated that the 

 chief constituents are chalk-fragments, quartz, flint, hornstone, 

 and land-shells including Helicella virgata, Hygromia hispida and 

 Vallonia pulchcUa. Among other places given for its probable 

 origin is in a combe crossed by the road to Bradford Peverell, 

 about a mile W.N.W. of Dorchester, and as this is regarded as 

 an ancient way and is called " Roman Road " on the ordnance 

 maps, it is very likely that the Romans knew of the tract of 

 valley gravel and chalk-Avash which occurs there. Dr. Colley 

 March informs me that by the river near Bradford Peverell is a 

 bank containing a conglomerate of small pebbles and chalk 

 somewhat resembling the material found scattered on the arena- 

 floor. 



The shards of pottery and other objects of Roman and later 

 date were found to be very much mixed up, not only within 

 reach of the plough near the surface, but also for 2ft. or 3ft. 

 down. It appears probable that the greater part of the mould 

 now covering the arena-floor was brought there. Only thirteen 

 years ago about a hundred loads of soil were hauled to the 

 middle of Maumbury from Cedar Park, Dorchester — a place 

 known to teem with Roman shards and other relics. So that it 

 is seen that these surface " finds " are of no dateable value in the 

 interpretation of the results of our researches at IMaumbury. 



