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Port Talbot's 'Pompeii': Massive Roman Villa Found
12 Jan
Summary
- A large Roman villa, dubbed 'Port Talbot's Pompeii,' has been discovered in Margam country park.
- The find suggests South Wales was a central agricultural area, not a Roman frontier.
- The site's excellent preservation is attributed to its history as a deer park.
A remarkable Roman villa, found hidden beneath Margam country park near Port Talbot, is prompting a significant reevaluation of South Wales's history during the Roman period. Initially known for its industrial past, the area is now revealed to have been a potentially important agricultural hub within the Roman Empire, challenging the long-held view of Wales as merely a frontier zone.
Dubbed "Port Talbot's Pompeii" due to its potential for preservation, the villa's footprint is exceptionally large, possibly the biggest of its kind in Wales. Experts suggest it may have been a center for agriculture, comparable to grand villas found in other parts of Roman Britain, indicating a more civilized and integrated presence than previously assumed.
The excellent state of preservation is largely credited to Margam's continuous status as a deer park, a role it has held since at least Romano-British times. This unique history has protected the site from the intensive plowing that often damages archaeological remains, offering hope for intact floor surfaces and wall foundations, potentially dating to the 4th century.
