Caerleon

A town and archaeological site in Wales in which the Romans established a legionary fortress dating to 74-75 AD when the conquest of the Silures of Wales began. The foundation of the fortress is set on a terrace along the Usk and it is one of three major legionary fortresses - the other two being at Chester and York. Originally built of timber and earth, it had been largely rebuilt in stone (253-255) before the Roman garrison left during the abandonment of the province. Evidence has been found for centurion houses, workshops, barracks, stores, ovens, hospital, baths, and latrines. There is also an amphitheater, two bath buildings, and extensive cemeteries in an associated settlement. The fortress was occupied, probably by a nonmilitary population, until the 370s. Caerleon, traditionally a seat of the legendary King Arthur, was a Welsh princely capital until the Norman Conquest (1066).

[Isca]. The Romans established this 20-hectare fort, named Isca, with its 64 barrack blocks, during the pacification of Wales, which was finally achieved in ad 78. The fort is one of three major legionary fortresses, the other two being at Chester and York. Originally constructed of timber and earth, it had been largely rebuilt in stone before the garrison finally left for home during the abandonment of the province. Evidence has been found for centurion houses, workshops, barracks, stores, ovens, hospital, baths and latrines. Outside the immediate fortification, in an associated civic settlement, lies an amphitheatre (built c80 ad of earth, timber and masonry) now fully excavated, traces of two bath buildings, and of extensive cemeteries.