CAERLEON (Isca Silurum)		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History & Occupation:

The legionary fortress of Caerleon was constructed in 74/75 AD by the Second Legion Augusta, one of the legions involved in the invasion of Britain thirty years previously, and who were subsequently based here. The current visible stone walls of the fortress were built at the end of the first century, replacing the earlier turf ramparts, following which the internal wooden structures were gradually replaced with stone ones. Caerleon at its height was a considerable size, with every edifice the military could need found within or beside the walls. Its name, Isca Silurum, derives from the tribe in whose territory the fortress lies (the Silures) and the word isca (or water). The river by which it stands, the Usk, retains the name. Caerleon was one of two sites responsible for the control of all Welsh territory, a role it shared with Chester. From the middle of the second century onwards, activity declines at Caerleon as the Second Legion were more committed to the north and the building of the northern walls and defences, Wales being more settled by this time. Despite the shift in activity, the Legion continued to be based at Caerleon. Athe start of the third century, during the Severan campaign in Scotland, the dismantling of the fortress began but was then halted and the site reoccupied when the campaign was abandoned. At the end of that century the Second Legion were moved from Caerleon and the fortress fell into a decline with many of its buildings being demolished. Though there is some activity on the site from this time it is not great, and there are very few signs of activity from the mid fourth century onwards.

Remains and Visit:

A vast wealth of builings have been identified within the walls, though some of these remain buried. Many of them were barrack blocks to house the huge number of soldiers based here, some five and a half thousand regulars, with numerous support units. Of the visible remains of Caerleon, the most striking is that of the late first century Amphitheatre, an impressive example that could seat an entire legion. The Amphitheatre was likely not designated for gladiatorial events like its civil counterparts, but more for training and ceremonial purposes within the Legion and was rebuilt twice due to fire during the period of occupation. From the Amphitheatre, a high section of the fortress wall can be traced for some distance past the corner angle tower walking either inside or outside the wall. Other remains include a well-preserved set of barrack blocks in the corner of the fort, with ovens, cookhouse and latrines nearby. In the middle of the village, close to the centre of the fortress, lie the Legionary Baths, now run as a museum. They are a fascinating visit and the presentation is excellent. Close to the church (which stands on the site of the Principia or Headquarters Building) is the Caerleon Legionary Museum, one of the best Roman museums in Britain and containing a wealth of finds. The quay on the river Usk and the huge bath complex that lay close by have been excavated but nothing remains to be seen today. Caerleon is one of the premier Roman sites in Britain and is worth an excursion in itself, let alone a detour.

Images:

A turret in the fortress wall	The northwest fort corner	Drain in the barracks latrine	The barracks	View across the amphitheatre
Amphitheatre cavea detail	Legionary baths Nymphaeum	A drain in the Legionary baths	Aerial view (c/o/ Google Earth)