Roman Dover

Roman Dover, the British port closest to the rest of the Roman Empire was a thriving town, thought to have covered at least a five hectare area along the Dour valley. The Romans called the town DUBRIS after DUBRAS, the British name meaning 'waters'.

The Roman town had a large harbour, flanked by two lighthouses and three successive forts.

Over 60 sites from the Roman period have been found in the Dover area. Sites which are open to the public include the Roman Painted House at Dover, the Roman lighthouse or Pharos in Dover Castle grounds and the Roman fort of Richborough near Sandwich.

The museum holds a large collection of Roman Samian ware found in the area