Roman Wales - Caerleon/Caerwent

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Caerleon was once home to the Roman second legion, and their mark on the land remains till this day. Here you can walk the roads they once stood on. Visit their places of entertainment, leisure and sleep. For those wanting to explore ancient Wales or have a day out with the family, come visit Caerleon.

Filmed: June 2021
Music: Music Vibration Sound -    • Ancient Roman Music | Emotional Roman Empi...  
Entry: Free - Baths are paid

---- Short History ----

The Romans invaded Britain in 43 AD.

— Caerwent:
Founded by the Romans around 75 AD as the market town of Venta Silurum.
After the Romans defeated the Silures tribe that occupied South East Wales, they built the town for civilian administration.
Initially, Venta had a forum and basilica.
In the early 2nd century, during the reign of Hadrian, construction on a market place, government buildings, public baths, shops, including a blacksmith were underway.
A Roman temple, possibly dedicated to Mars and the Celtic god Ocelus can be found.
By the 3rd century early Christian worship had begun.
Up until the 4th century the town lacked substantial defences, until the 5m tall, stone wall was constructed.

After the Romans left, the town remained occupied until the mid-5th century.
Early Christian worship was still established. The town may have had a bishop and a monastery was founded in the 6th century.

The name Venta gave its name to the emerging Kingdom of Gwent (called initially "Kingdom of Guenta”).


— Amphitheatre:
Built around 90 AD.
It was used by soldiers and citizens to relax, watch animal hunts and gladiators. It was also used by the military as a parade ground.
It is 56m long and 41m wide with seats for dignitaries on each side. In total around 6,000 people could be seated.
Below were small chambers for the awaiting humans and animals to enter the arena.
A shrine to the goddess Nemesis can be seen. She controlled fate and divine vengeance.


— Barracks:
Established around 75 AD, they are the only visible remains of Roman Legionary Barracks in Europe.
Occupying what was once the western corner of the fortress of Isca. The fortress was deliberately established at the mouth of the River Usk for sea resupply. Remains of the large support harbour were found in 2011.
The remains of 4 out of the original 60 blocks of barracks remain. Each block housed a century (80-100 men), and featured a veranda, red-tiled roof and greenish glass windows.
These housed the Second Augustan Legion, comprising 5,500 men. One of the four original Legions that invaded Britain.
Originally built out of wood they were replaced by stone in the 2nd century.
Even a service building remains, including a latrine attached to the barracks.
The Legion remained in Caerleon for 200 years. However, over the years many were deployed around Britain and the wider Empire. Seven of the ten Cohorts went to help build Hadrian’s Wall in 122 AD.
By 290 AD the Second Legion was only 1,000 men strong and were redeployed to modern day Kent.
After the Normans invaded they built a castle here; originally of wood and by the 13th century out of stone from the old Legionary Fortress.
After numerous Welsh attacks the castle was abandoned and the stone was used over the following centuries to build the local houses.


— Baths:
Used between 74 to 287 AD.
The open-air swimming pool once held 80,000 gallons of water.
Romans would cover themselves in perfumed oil, sweat it out and then scrape it off.
The baths included a mix of hot and cold water.

00:00 Caerwent
00:52 Amphitheatre
02:02 Barracks
03:12 Baths
03:55 Legacy


#Rome #Roman #Wales #Ancient #Ruins


---- Further Reading ----
— Caerwent:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venta_S...

— Barracks:
https://www.britainallover.com/2010/1...
http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/...

— Amphitheatre:
https://www.britainexpress.com/wales/...

— Baths:
https://www.heatheronhertravels.com/v...


— Castle:
http://www.castlewales.com/caerleon.html
https://www.britainexpress.com/wales/...


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