What Evidence Is There To Suggest That The Romans Introduced The First Horizontal-wheeled Gristmills To Britain During The 1st Century AD, And How Did This Technology Influence The Transition From Quern-stone Grinding To Mechanized Flour Production In Iron Age Celtic Communities, Particularly In The Context Of The Roman Fortlet At Vindolanda And The Nearby Native Settlement Of Vindovala?

The introduction of horizontal-wheeled gristmills to Britain by the Romans in the 1st century AD is supported by archaeological evidence, particularly the discovery of millstones at Roman sites like Vindolanda. These mills, also known as Norse mills, were more efficient than earlier vertical mills and manual quern stones, which were labor-intensive. The Roman fort at Vindolanda, near Hadrian's Wall, likely used these mills to efficiently supply food to soldiers, demonstrating the technology's practical benefits for large-scale food production.

The nearby native settlement of Vindovala probably adopted this technology, either through direct introduction by the Romans or by observing its efficiency. This transition from quern stones to mechanized mills facilitated increased flour production, supporting larger populations and potentially enabling trade. The shift was gradual, with mills becoming more common post-Roman arrival, indicating a significant technological advancement influenced by Roman engineering.

In summary, the Romans brought horizontal-wheeled mills to Britain, evidenced by archaeological finds and the need for efficient food systems. This technology transformed local economies and societies, fostering a shift towards mechanized production that likely influenced both Roman and Celtic communities.