HUNDREDS of budding archaeologists have been searching for clues about the Romans at a major dig in Ipplepen.

Students from Exeter University and villagers have been investigating fields to find out more about a site once occupied by Iron Age, Roman and early medieval communities.

Archaeologists have been excavating the site for the last seven years and have unearthed Iron Age roundhouses, a Roman road, an early medieval cemetery and a Romano-British settlement.

This year the 200-strong team explored the southern part of the site, where traces of a settlement, occupied during the final years of Britain being part of the Roman Empire, had been found.

Exeter University’s Professor Stephen Rippon, who led the work, revealed his group had discovered items including kitchen waste and broken pots as well as animal bones.

His team analysed the broken pots and were able to work out when and where they were made as well as what they contained.

He found some ‘posh’ tableware pots from France and the odd vessel from Spain, which would have contained wine and oil.

Professor Rippon revealed the month-long excavation gave the group an insight into what the local economy was like at the time.

All of the goodies found were showcased at an open day on September 8, which drew in more than 600 people.

Intrigued guests were also treated to a tour of the excavation site and two re-enactments of what life was like for the Roman Army and farming communities.

Volunteer digger Peter Brown said: ‘I love archaeology so for me having the site at Ipplepen on my doorstep is very exciting.

‘To be given the opportunity to participate fully in the excavations and in some small way add to the collective knowledge and understanding of the period and the site is an exhilarating honour and privilege.’

Hilary Down, who also lent a helping hand at the dig, said: ‘I have lived in Ipplepen for more than 40 years and already knew a fair bit of the village’s history so I jumped at the chance to learn more by volunteering at the dig in 2012.

‘Since then I have volunteered every year and I absolutely love it.’