Key facts
- A newly identified Roman fort in Pembrokeshire, Wales, may confirm a medieval legend about Emperor Magnus Maximus.
- The fort's location near Frenni Fawr hill aligns with descriptions in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales.
- Fourth-century coins, pottery, and building foundations were discovered at the site.
- Dr. Mark Merrony of the University of Oxford led the excavation, which suggests the fort housed around 500 troops.
- The discovery challenges previous assumptions that Romans did not venture extensively into this part of Wales.
Archaeologists have discovered a Roman fort in Pembrokeshire, Wales, that could validate a medieval legend concerning the Roman emperor Magnus Maximus. The fort, located approximately 2 miles south-west of Frenni Fawr hill, has yielded fourth-century coins, pottery shards, Roman tiles, and compacted clay floors, suggesting the site was a significant military installation.
Dr. Mark Merrony, a Roman specialist from the University of Oxford, led the excavation. He noted that the fort's position aligns with descriptions in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh epic tales, which places Magnus Maximus's camp at Frenni Fawr. "If Magnus Maximus was there, there must have been an army there," Merrony stated, expressing excitement that the discovery might resolve a nearly 1,700-year-old mystery.
Until now, there was no archaeological evidence of a Roman military presence on or near the summit of Frenni Fawr. Merrony identified the site in 2024 after satellite imagery revealed a potential outline in an overgrown field. Subsequent investigation, supported by Oxford University and crowdfunding, confirmed the site's significance. Merrony's brother found two coins dating to the late 4th century, which Merrony believes may be linked to the legend of Macsen Wledig (Magnus Maximus).
The fort, measuring 180 by 150 meters, is situated on a slope with a commanding view. It is estimated to have housed around 500 troops and its existence challenges previous assumptions about the extent of Roman military activity in the region and the nature of Roman-Celtic relations. Geophysical surveys indicated the presence of a headquarters building and a commander's house, a layout consistent with Roman military sites.