World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Roman fort in Wales may be linked to a medieval tale of Magnus Maximus
Archaeologists have identified a Roman fort in Pembrokeshire, in south-west Wales.
Dr Mark Merrony found the site in 2024, about 2 miles south-west of Frenni Fawr, a peak in the Preseli Hills.
A medieval Welsh tale says the Roman emperor Magnus Maximus camped at Frenni Fawr during his military campaigns.
Excavations have uncovered Roman tiles and two coins from the late fourth century, but these finds do not prove that Maximus himself was at the fort.
The site is thought to have held about 500 troops, and its discovery challenges the assumption that Roman forces did not build a military base in this area.
It may also shed light on relations between the Romans and the local Celtic population.
Further excavations are planned, and Merrony’s research is due to appear in an archaeology magazine.
A newly identified Roman fort in Pembrokeshire may support a medieval tale linking Magnus Maximus to a military camp near Frenni Fawr.
Archaeologist Mark Merrony discovered the fort about 2 miles (3.5km) south-west of the hill’s summit in 2024.
Two coins dating from the late fourth century were found during excavation, alongside other Roman remains.
The fort measures 180 by 150 metres and may have held about 500 troops.
The discovery challenges assumptions that the Romans did not venture far into Wales and that the local Celtic tribe was on peaceful terms with them.
- Who
- Archaeologist Mark Merrony discovered the fort. The site may be connected to Magnus Maximus, a fourth-century Roman emperor.
- What
- A Roman fort has been identified, with finds including two late-fourth-century coins.
- When
- It was discovered in 2024. An excavation confirming the site’s significance has recently finished.
- Where
- Pembrokeshire, about 2 miles (3.5km) south-west of Frenni Fawr in the Preseli Hills, Wales.
- Why
- The fort and coins may provide archaeological evidence behind a medieval Mabinogion tale that Magnus Maximus camped at Frenni Fawr.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
If Magnus Maximus was there, there must have been an army there
It is fascinating to consider that the two coins may be linked to the tale of Macsen Wledig – Magnus Maximus – in the Mabinogion, the Welsh equivalent of the Odyssey
Merrony identified a Roman road along the southern shoulder of the Preselis.
Merrony discovered the fort about 2 miles (3.5km) south-west of Frenni Fawr’s summit.
An excavation, supported by Oxford University and crowdfunding, finished and confirmed the theory of the site and its significance.
- Location
- Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Discovery
- Mark Merrony identified the fort in 2024
- Distance from Frenni Fawr
- About 2 miles (3.5km) south-west of the summit
- Fort dimensions
- 180 by 150 metres
- Estimated capacity
- About 500 troops
- Coins
- Two coins dating from the late fourth century
Sources
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