Archaeological finds suggest that the area has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Following the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43 and the conquering of the local Britons in AD 70 the fortress settlement of "Clausentum" was established. It was an important trading port and defensive outpost of Winchester, at the site of modern Bitterne Manor. "Clausentum" was defended by a wall and two ditches and is thought to have contained a bath house. "Clausentum" was not abandoned until around 410.