Roman Fort Found in Wales May Be Linked to Legendary Emperor Magnus Maximus
Learn about a newly discovered Roman military camp that may be linked to Welsh folklore.
A Roman fort discovered near Frenni Fawr in Pembrokeshire, Wales, may be connected to the legendary Emperor Magnus Maximus, according to recent research by a team from the University of Oxford. The fort, which measures approximately 7 acres, showcases features typical of auxiliary forts, including a playing-card shape and earthworks.
Discoverer Mark Merrony, a Roman specialist at Oxford, found the fort while on a bike ride and later conducted an archaeological investigation. Remnants of a rampart base, along with various artifacts such as a lead spindle-whorl, iron stylus, woodworking axe, and gaming counter, were uncovered during the excavation. Coins dating back to the third and fourth centuries, likely from the time of Maximus' presence in Britain, were also found.
While more evidence is needed to confirm a direct link to the camp of Magnus Maximus described in the Mabinogion, these findings shed light on the extent of Roman influence in Wales during the time of the legendary emperor.
Written by urgent.news from Discover Magazine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
