Tristan Hughes

And Stilicho was a magistrate militum, right?

So is it the idea that as long as we can see that this role exists, that that position exists, then you can't say that these border forces are independent in any way because they're still very much part of the system?

Exactly that.

So, you know,

Is there a cut-off point where that position no longer exists and then it sees that the logistics chains fall apart and then these communities just rely on their own cattle and their own agriculture to really survive and thrive?

And there we go.

We'll come back when you've tested the lipids on some of those pots then.

Well, let's keep moving on.

I don't think we need to, not today at least, delve into detail with the Great Barbarian Conspiracy, because I think we've already set the scene that it seems like the Limitani are still there very much after that.

But let's go to the traditional end date, the fall of Roman Britain, which yourself and James have done so brilliantly for us in the past.

So this is 408 or 410, it's thereabouts, that's the official end point, isn't it?

And do we still think there's a Dux Britanniorum then around 408, 410 in the north?

So do we think it's likely that this, and we'll explore some of these archaeological examples in a bit, that it is these same communities that are continuing to exist along Hadrian's Wall after the canonical date of 408 or 410?

Do you think that's the most likely case?

And we know the Verstine, or is it with the Trapane treasure and the like, don't we?

We know that they're almost Rome's eyes north of the wall.

So these forts, whatever the situation, more likely it is the same communities and they're adapting to the new situation.

So is the big change that they do realize at that time, is it that they no longer have to pay tax to a central Roman authority?

Or what do we think fills in that hole?

What plugs the gap?