Gariannonum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gariannonum |
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Burgh Castle is usually identified as Gariannonum
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 Location in Norfolk
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| Alternative name(s) | Gariannum |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 52°34′55″N 1°39′07″E / 52.582°N 1.652°E |
| County | Norfolk |
| Country | England |
| Reference | |
| UK-OSNG reference | TG474045 |
Gariannonum was an important Roman fort in Norfolk, England. It was also known as Gariannum. This fort was part of a special group of Roman defenses. These defenses were called the "Saxon Shore" forts. They were built to protect the coast of Roman Britain.
Around the year AD 400, a Roman army list called the Notitia Dignitatum mentioned Gariannonum. This list named nine Saxon Shore forts in southern and eastern England. People have discussed Gariannonum for many years. They wondered about its exact spelling, its real purpose, and its true location.
Where Was Gariannonum?
Most historians have thought that Gariannonum was at Burgh Castle. However, new studies have looked at another Roman settlement. This settlement is at Caister-on-Sea, about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) away. These studies show that Caister-on-Sea also had a military purpose.
In Roman times, both Burgh Castle and Caister-on-Sea were on opposite sides of a large estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. Today, a part of this old estuary is still there. It is called Breydon Water. Because of this, it is not certain that Burgh Castle was definitely Gariannonum. The name could also refer to Caister-on-Sea.
What Does the Name Mean?
The name Gariannonum might come from an old Celtic word. This word meant "babbling river." This could refer to the River Yare at Burgh Castle. However, this idea about the name's origin is not fully certain.
It is also not completely clear if Caister-on-Sea was truly a military fort. It is possible that both sites worked together. The Romans might have called one of them, or even both, by the name Gariannonum.
See also
In Spanish: Gariannonum para niños
