Discovery of Roman coins in Devon redraws map of empire

Archaeologists find coins, pottery and stretch of road in Ipplepen, beyond what was thought to be limit of Roman influence

The discovery of a few muddy coins in a Devon paddock by a pair of amateur metal detector enthusiasts has led to the redrawing of the boundary of the Roman empire in south-west Britain.

Previously it had been thought that Ancient Rome's influence did not stretch beyond Exeter but the find has resulted in a major archaeological dig that has unearthed more coins, a stretch of Roman road and the remnants of vessels from France and the Mediterranean once full of wine, olive oil and garum - fish sauce.