31, 32).
Silchester, Calleva Atrebatum (fig.

31), shows a different picture, which is the more interesting because the excavations carried out in 1890-1909 have given us a fuller knowledge of the town than of any other Roman site in the western provinces.[108] It was, apparently, the old tribal capital of the Atrebates and the county-town of its district in Roman days; though not possessing the full municipal status, it was probably the seat of local government for a considerable neighbourhood.

In outline it was an irregular eight-sided area of 100 acres, defended by a strong stone wall, which was added long after the original foundation.

Internally it was divided up by streets which, except near the east gate, run parallel or at right angles to one another.

Its buildings are: a Forum and Basilica, a suite of public baths, four small temples, a small Christian church, a hotel, and a large number of private houses.