Roman History of South East Wales
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Roman itinerary: the legendary Roman history of south east Wales South East Wales is the Roman capital of Wales. Caerleon is a suburban village situated on the River Usk, just north 2 of the city of Newport. Caerleon is a destination of great archaeological importance — home to a Roman fortress and Iron Age hill fort, making it rich in Roman history. Caerleon is home to tourist attractions including the Roman Fortress and Baths, which consists of the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain, sections of the fortress walls and the only remains of a Roman legionary barracks in view anywhere in Europe. The National Roman Legion Museum lies inside what remains of the fortress, and contains many artefacts from the Roman period. Just over 20 minutes away is Caerwent Roman Town, an archaeologists paradise. 1 Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths Caerleon is one of the most varied and fascinating Roman sites in Britain, incorporating Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths , a well-preserved amphitheatre and National Roman Legion Museum a row of barrack blocks — the only examples currently visible in Europe. With heated changing rooms, a Step back in time at the National Roman Legion selection of cold or warm baths, covered exercise Museum which lies within the ruins of a Roman fortress, rooms and even an open-air swimming pool, the and has been a busy attraction for over 150 years. remains clearly visible at Caerleon suggest that Roman The Museum displays an internationally important life was at times comfortable and luxurious. Visitors can collection that has helped us to understand what step back in time and see history brought to life through made the Romans a formidable force, and the impact modern technology, including animated touch screen they had on life as we know it today. Visitors can enjoy games and a light and sound show to create the illusion the unique Roman Garden, an active events programme of 3D swimmers using the baths, as well as information and an inspiring range of artefacts that bring Roman panels, audio posts and humorous silent films. age to life. Roman itinerary: the legendary Roman history of south east Wales 3 Caerwent Roman Town is a village and community situated in Monmouthshire about five miles west of Chepstow and eleven miles east of Newport. It was originally founded by the Romans as the market town of Venta Silurum, the tribal settlement of the Brythonic Silures tribe. It remained prominent through the Roman era and Early Middle Ages as the site of a road crossing between several important civic centres. The modern village is built around the Roman ruins which still remain, including impressive fourth-century walls stand up to 17 feet (5.2m) high, excavated houses, forum-basilica and a Romano-British temple. The West Gate barns area provides car parking, level access to toilet facilities Caerwent Roman Town and interpretation panels. Visit cadw.wales.gov.uk to discover the stories and people Visit m useumwales.ac.uk , ‘Like’ Museums Wales on behind our 128 historic sites. ‘Like’ Cadw on Facebook Facebook and follow @AmgueddfaCymru. and follow @Cadwwales on Twitter or download our B r i d e s smartphone app to stay up to date. B a y 59 Brynmawr 36 0 A Abergavenny 1 6 4 5 Blaenavon Monmouth 4 8 A 4 46 A A4 7 A 22 0 Ironworks Castle 1 B4 Raglan Castle W 248 y ra Ebbw 0 e Vale A4 Rhymney St Briavel’s Glyn-neath A k 4 s e A 9 6 Raglan Castle w Merthyr U 0 4 7 6 a A 3 6 T 1 0 4 5 4 4 4 6 4 A 4 h C Tydfil A 0 0 t 8 4 y 4 A A a n 4 6 e o 6 n A 2 N Aberdare 9 4 Tintern A 0 4 A4 9 4 A 72 Usk 4 Offa’s 0 4 A 4 Abbey 0 A 6 5 A 1 9 Dyke 4 0 Pontypool 5 4 Chepstow Castle Neath Abbey A4 and Port Wall 23 472 National Afan Treorchy 3 A Chepstow eath E Cwmbran Roman Legion Runston 07 b Llanmelin Wood 41 b CaerwentB ulwarks A R Museum w 2 Blaengarw h Caerleon Chapel A y Hillfort Roman Camp m 4 f f 6 Roman Fortress A n A a 3 Town 1 40 9 A4 T Caerleon 58 e 8 2 4 Maesteg 6 y 41 0 0 Roman Fortress M48 6 4 4 8 26 40 A A 46 and Baths 1 24 Margam Stones 4 A A4 Caerwent Pontypridd 70 67 1 Museum A4093 23 Roman Town A 4 Caerphilly 0 NEWPORT M4 21 6 28 22 38 3 Castle Newport Coity Castell 29 M4 Newcastle M4 30 8 36 Castle Coch A4 Castle (Bridgend) Llantrisant 29a M49 32 17 37 35 Avonmouth 34 6 33 410 A 18a A 4 St Quentin’s Castle 8 y Portishead r (Llanblethian) a Porthcawl CARDIFF u 19 Ogmore Ewenny Tinkinswood t s Priory Burial Chamber Castle E 5 Cowbridge 5 M5 0 Clevedon 4 Penarth n BRISTOL 20 A r Old Beaupre Castle e v St Lythans Burial Chamber 0 e 37 65 A B42 S 8 Barry 3 Stanton Drew Yatton A Circles & Cove The journey time from Cardiff to Caerleon is a 30 minute drive, and from Newport to Caerleon a 15 minute drive. It takes 20 minutes to drive from Caerleon to the Roman city of Caerwent and Bath is just under an hour away. .