York sits in a mostly low-lying vale, with the Mount and the fortress occupying higher ground formed by glacial moraine. A cross-section follows the steep rise from the River Ouse terrace into the principal urban area. The same ridge continues east toward Stamford Bridge and branches southwest toward Tadcaster. These strips of raised ground help explain the routes chosen for Roman approaches through an otherwise wet river landscape.
Notable Point · 7:35-10:27
York's moraine, rivers, and routes through the landscape
Maps and a cross-section show how glacial ridges, river terraces, and raised ground shaped Roman movement into and around York.