Ancient offering found as workers prep for new water grid

An offering to ancient gods has been found during the construction of a huge new water main grid. 
 
Archaeologists discovered the well-preserved jug, believed to be almost two thousand years old, during preparations for the multi-million-pound project. 
 
They think it was a ‘votive offering’ – something that 'Romano-British' people would have left for the gods to win favour with them. Before that, the 30cm tall, burnished jug was probably used to store oil. 
 
The term Romano-British describes people living in the UK when much of it was part of the Roman empire, between the years 43AD and about 410AD.  
 
The East of England is known to be rich in history so archaeological digs are being carried out at 70 sites before water pipes are laid. The aim is to open a window into the past for surrounding communities. 
 
The jug was unearthed near Peterborough, along a 90-kilometre section of the grid linking Grantham, Peterborough and Downham Market. 
 
Two copper rings and a decorative pin were also found. The rings were both intact and their original designs can still be seen. One still had some of the original enamel on it. Experts believe it is a ‘late Roman ring’. The coins are believed to date from the third or fourth centuries. 
 
The water grid is a one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects. It is designed to ensure the future prosperity of East Anglia, which is one of the fastest growing areas of the country but also one of the driest. 
 
Once complete, hundreds of kilometres of underground, interconnecting pipelines – from Elsham in North Lincolnshire to Essex and Suffolk – will move 265 million litres of water a day from wetter to drier areas.  
 
But the water company responsible, Anglian Water, is also committed to leaving a long-lasting green and social legacy along the route.    
   
Pippa Adams, Archaeology Lead for the team delivering the new water grid, said: “The jug was remarkable because of its good condition. We suspect it was used for oil and before being left and might have been owned by a wealthy family.   
 
“We know from our survey work that Iron Age, Roman-era and medieval communities existed in many of the areas through which we’re laying our new water main network.   
    
“Our discoveries will provide a treasure trove of data. They will tell us a lot about our ancient history and how Iron Age, Roman and medieval communities experienced day-to-day life, here in the East of England. They’ll also help enhance our understanding of our national heritage.” 
 
Elsewhere, an Iron Age skeleton was found in Navenby, Lincolnshire, and other discoveries of ancient jewellery have been made. 
 
Thousands of books have been donated to 11 primary schools along the route of the new grid, new trees planted, dozens of boxes for dormice, bats and owls erected and a life-saving defibrillator donated.