UCL Archaeology go Roman in Wales

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UCL Archaeology on the BBC site

A team from UCL Archaeology and Cardiff University have just completed a successful six-week excavation of a former Roman fortress in Caerleon, near Newport, South Wales.

The site is one of real international importance as it used to be one of just three permanent legionary garrisons in Britain - and the team were keen to explore a newly-discovered building, only identified by geophysical survey in 2006.

Dr Andrew Gardner co-directed the team of students and staff with Dr. Peter Guest of Cardiff, and the project also involved students from Leicester and Durham Universities and local volunteers. 

He said: "We recovered some very interesting finds, including a complete stone inscription recording construction work within the fortress in the early part of the Roman period.

"Training for the students was a key objective for the work in addition to the research aims, and this was facilitated by supervisors drawn from professional archaeology units. Overall, the project's goals in terms of research, training and public engagement were all achieved.

"We are very grateful to the whole team, and to our sponsors Cadw and the National Roman Legion Museum for making this season such a success.

Caerleon was one of three permanent garrisons and home to the second Augustan legion. But while excavations at the other sites in Chester and York are difficult, there are still large areas of open ground at Caerleon.

Built around AD 74, in its pomp Caerleon was the main administrative centre for the Roman army in Wales, and the site includes a bathhouse and even its own amphitheatre, which had a capacity for 6,000 spectators.

For more information on UCL Archeology and the excavation at Caerleon please click on the links above.

Pictures show: Students on the dig at Caerleon