Isca Dumnoniorum of the legion at Exeter is supported by the discovery of a dolphin antefix (roof fitting) from levels within the military bathhouse dated to about 60. The antefix appears to have been created from the same mould as an example from the legionary fortress at Caerleon—where the legion is known to have been stationed from around 75. (The legion had previously suffered a defeat to the Silures of southern Wales in the year 52.) The legions of Britain were rearranged after Suetonius Paulinus's victory against the Boudiccan rebellion. There was a small subsidiary fort at Topsham. A supply depot along
Isca Dumnoniorum their initial invasions, the Romans established a 'playing-card' shaped fort () at the site around 55. It was the base of the strong Second Augustan Legion () for the next 20 years before they moved to Isca Augusta (modern Caerleon in Wales). Both Iscas were also home to their families as settlements are thought to have grown up outside the fortress gates, especially to the north-east. Buildings within the fortress, such as barracks, granaries, and workship (), were timber structures, the post-trenches of which were excavated in the 1970s in advance of the Guildhall shopping centre development. The only known