Scheduled MonumentsWalesCaerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum
Roman · Legionary Fortress

Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum

Wales
Cadw SAM MM238
Period
Roman
Site type
Legionary Fortress
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Caerleon Legionary Fortress is a Roman legionary fortress of the late first and second centuries AD, established around 75 AD in what is now Monmouthshire, Wales, and occupied until approximately the early third century. The fortress served as the permanent base for the Second Augustan Legion and represents one of the three major legionary fortresses in Roman Britain, controlling the militarily significant territory of South Wales and the Bristol Channel approaches. The surviving archaeological remains within the museum grounds include substantial portions of the fortress's defensive infrastructure, notably the amphitheatre and sections of the fortress walls and internal structures, which together provide significant evidence of Roman military architecture and organisation in Britain. The site's exceptional state of preservation, both above and below ground, has made it one of the most important sources of archaeological knowledge concerning Roman legionary life and military logistics in the province.

Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM238. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum?

Caerleon Legionary Fortress is a Roman legionary fortress of the late first and second centuries AD, established around 75 AD in what is now Monmouthshire, Wales, and occupied until approximately the early third century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM238.

What period does Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum date from?

Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum dates from the roman period, and is classified as a legionary fortress. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum?

Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is MM238.

What other scheduled monuments are near Caerleon Legionary Fortress: Grounds of Museum?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Julian's Wood Camp (1.5 km), Newport Castle (3.5 km), St. Mary's Churchyard Cross, Llanwern (4.1 km).

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