Exciting discovery - Rob Masefield at the site. (The picture has been electronically altered to show where the curve of the D shape is). Picture: STEVE ARGENT (54003-3a)
Archaeologists digging up Colchester's Roman circus have made one of their most dramatic discoveries to date.
An excavation in Circular Road North has revealed the remains of the turning-post that marked the halfway stage of each lap as charioteers thundered around the ancient arena.
Our exclusive pictures show how - more than 1,500 years later - it is still possible to detect the curve of the D-shaped plinth on which the three five-metre-high posts once stood.
The collapsed ruins of one of the pillars have also been unearthed.
Experts at Colchester Archaeological Trust used Roman records to estimate where the turning post would have been positioned inside Britain's only-known chariot-racing stadium.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article