Edge of Empire: Romans in South Wales

We spend the morning exploring the Roman legionary fortress at Caerleon, one of only three permanent fortresses in Britannia. Here we see the barracks of the Legio II Augusta, one of the most intact legionary barracks in the Roman Empire, as well as defensive towers. We proceed to the amphitheatre, which once held 6,000 and may well have been constructed for the benefit of the soldiers as well as civilians living in nearby civilian settlements, cannabae. After a coffee break, we venture to the fortress bath house, which includes a sizeable outdoor swimming pool, a natatio. In the afternoon, we will have a special behind the scenes tour of the National Roman Legion Museum in the company of Dr Mark Lewis who will offer an in-depth analysis of the archaeological finds from the area.

The tour continues to Caerwent, ancient Venta Silurum, on the road leading from Caerleon to Gloucester, which was established in AD 75 to settle the Silures and was expanded in the Hadrianic period. Here we see what has often been described as the most significant Roman walls in Britain, reaching the height of five metres. We continue to the site of the forum and basilica at the centre of the ancient city and thence to an ancient temple from the late antique period and to the remains of houses and shops excavated recently. Our last visit is to the Roman Temple at Lydney*, built on the sea front in two different stages, in the Hadrianic and late antique periods. Once situated in an unexcavated settlement, we see the remains of a hypocaust and a number of well-built rooms.

We return back to our hotel in Caerleon at around 16.30

* If The Roman Temple is close we will instead visit Llannelin Wood Hillfort.