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Did You Know Wales Boasts Some Of Britain's Best Roman Ruins?

During the Roman era, Roman Britain included everything is today Wales. Typically, Roman Britain didn't include what's Scotland (aside from periods when the Romans ruled as far north as the Antonine Wall in Scotland). Both Scotland and Wales were quite peripheral to Roman Britain but you may still find Roman ruins to be found.

One of the best places in England to determine old Roman ruins is the stunning Tudor and Roman city of Chester. There one will see probably the most charming small English cities built with an old Roman fort. But when one really wants to see really impressive Roman ruins, then go to Italy, southern France, and Turkey.

Options to consider About The Roman Occupation Of Wales

The Roman era in Wales began in 48 AD because the Romans commenced their conquest of england. Their conquest was complete by around 78 AD and Roman rule continued unabated within the Welsh region until they abandoned it in 383 AD.

  • Occupation of Wales: From 78 AD to 383 AD

While many cities in England were founded by the Romans (like London, Chester, yet others), only one town was founded through the Romans in Wales – Caerwent in South Wales.

  • Caerwent: The Only Town Founded Through the Romans In Wales
  • Peripheral: Aside from Southwestern Wales, Much of Wales was Peripheral

Wales was valuable as a supply of mineral wealth and during this time, the Romans extracted large amounts of lead, copper, gold, and smaller levels of other precious metals. But nonetheless, outside of South Wales, the rest of Wales was quite peripheral to the Empire and also to Roman Britain. Today the majority of the Roman archaeological remains in Wales consist almost entirely of military roads and fortifications.

The Roman Fort of Caerleon

The most notable Roman attraction in Wales is the fort of Caerleon (or referred to as Isca to the Romans). It was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain (the others being at Chester and York in England) and covered around 50 acres of land. It is located on the south-eastern extreme of Wales near to the border with England.

  • Permanent Fortresses of Britain: Caerleon (Isca), Chester, and York

Much from the old Roman legionary fortress and settlement (or vicus) lies beneath parts of the present-day suburban village of Caerleon. This fortress is regarded as uniquely essential for studying the conquest, pacification, and colonization of Britannia. Fortunately, archaeology is aided here as the archaeological ruins have lain mostly undisturbed through the centuries. New discoveries are happening constantly.

The amphitheater there began construction in AD 90 also it used a timber grandstand (instead of stone as with most places in Europe). It might have had a capacity for around 6,000 people.

  • Seating: Around 6,000 People

Today the fortress is a Museum and it is liberated to enter. At the museum, it's possible to begin to see the galleries and exhibits and tour the most complete amphitheater in great britan, the Fortress Baths, and the only remains of the Roman Legionary Barracks displayed any place in Europe.

One can begin to see the excavated open-air pool and the cold bath suite (called a frigidarium). The various components one sees today are only a fraction of the original complex.

  • Admission: Free
  • Amphitheater: Probably the most Complete Amphitheater In Britain
  • Capacity: The Amphitheater Would Have Seated Around 6,000 Spectators
  • Legion: It Was The Headquarters from the Legion “II Augusta”

Other Roman Ruins of Wales

Most from the Roman ruins beyond South Wales are military roads and fortifications and Caerleon is definitely the most important in Wales.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines:

The Dolauchothi Gold Mines may be the only gold mine in great britan that is known for several was worked through the Romans. There is a tour offered on-site that delves into the more modern workings of the mine from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. But because one enters the tunnels one will also begin to see the legacy of the Romans.

  • Location: Within the Valley of The River Cothi in Carmarthenshire, Wales

The mines are important for showing advanced Roman technology. The mines are open seasonally and just on certain days. When they are open, they're open from 10.00 am to five.00 pm.

Llawern Roman Settlement:

In Llawern in Wales, a settlement of three stone buildings dating from between the 2nd and 4th Centuries AD have been unearthed recently. Contained in the finds are a mosaic floor, a circular building, along with a number of burials.

This is really a new find and the reason for the buildings isn't yet fully known. These were discovered while a brand new housing development had been constructed.

A fuller listing of Roman ruins in South Wales shows up on South Wales Argus.

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