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Ancient Roman mill uncovered in U.K.

LONDON, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- British archaeologists say they've discovered a Roman "industrial park" that may have been home to a famous missing legion.

The unearthed site in North Yorkshire includes the remains of a water-powered flour mill used to grind grain and produce food, clothes, graves and pottery for the soldiers, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.

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The site was excavated as part of a $494 million upgrade of a major U.K. highway.

The newly uncovered site is close to a ruined fort at Healam Bridge, part of the Roman frontier in northern England 2,000 years ago.

It is believed the military outpost was used by the Roman Ninth Hispanic Legion, which disappeared sometime in the 2nd Century AD.

"We know a lot about Roman forts, which have been extensively studied, but to excavate an industrial area with a mill is really exciting," team leader Blaise Vyner said.

"We hope it can tell us more about how such military outposts catered for their needs, as self-sufficiency would have been important."

The industrial area comprised a series of large timber buildings, mostly on the north side of a mountain stream that powered the mill, researchers said.

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