Inveresk, on the edge of Musselburgh, was one of the most important Roman centres in the Lothians. A fort, civilian settlement, baths, burials and roads occupied high ground overlooking the River Esk and the Forth.
Amazing fact
At Inveresk, archaeologists found a wealthy Roman burial containing an iron lamp shaped like a theatrical mask.
Why this area mattered
The Esk crossing and coastal position gave access to routes towards the Borders, Edinburgh and central Scotland. Inveresk could support troops while also attracting traders, families and craftspeople.
Roman places near you
Inveresk fort
Successive Roman installations occupied the commanding ridge.
Civilian settlement
Buildings and finds outside the defences show substantial activity around the military base.
Baths and burials
Excavations have revealed bath buildings and exceptionally rich graves.
What can you see today?
Much of Roman Inveresk lies beneath the modern settlement. The landscape, churchyard area and museum collections help visitors reconstruct what once stood here.
