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Magnus Maximus's Welsh Camp Found: Coins Confirm 1,700-Year-Old Legend
12 Oct
Summary
- New Roman fort discovery in Pembrokeshire supports medieval folklore.
- Fourth-century coins and artifacts unearthed at the new excavation site.
- Archaeologists are excited to verify a 1,700-year-old legend of Magnus Maximus.
A significant Roman fort has been identified in Pembrokeshire, Wales, offering compelling evidence for a medieval legend concerning Emperor Magnus Maximus. This discovery supports the folklore that Maximus established a military camp near Frenni Fawr hill.
Archaeologists, led by Dr. Mark Merrony of the University of Oxford, are excited by finds including fourth-century coins. These artifacts suggest that the ancient tale, recounted in the Mabinogion, has a basis in historical fact, potentially solving a 1,700-year-old mystery.
The fort, measuring 180 by 150 meters, is situated in a strategic location with a commanding view. Its discovery challenges previous assumptions about peaceful relations between Romans and the Indigenous Celtic tribes of the region.
Excavations revealed characteristic features of Roman military sites, such as pottery shards, Roman tiles, compacted clay floors, and even preserved wagon rut marks. The fort's layout suggests the presence of a headquarters building and a commander's house.
