Historic Buildings and Gardens

Segontium Roman Fort

Beddgelert Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 2WG

Tel: 01286 675625

website: www.segontium.org.uk

The Segontium Roman fort was an auxiliary fort built by the Romans when they spread their conquest of Britain into Wales, and dates back to 77 AD. Although it was a remote outpost, it is one of the most well known Roman sites in Britain and attracts thousands of visitors each year. From records, it is clear that it held a regiment of up to 1,000 auxiliary soldiers until about 394 AD. These troops were non citizens who would be in the service of the Roman army for 25 years. It was a very strategic establishment, as it controlled access to Anglesey, and protected the Welsh coast from the sea bound Irish raiders. Apart from being of military use, Segontium was also the administrative centre for north west Wales.

Visiting the fort, it is apparent that you are encouraged to have a `hands on' approach. The fort is active in that it allows visitors into the remains so that you can not only see the remains, but experience them too.

The museum tells the story of the conquest and occupation of Wales and contains fine examples of the finds excavated from the Segontium site. Here you can get a vivid idea of life in this part of occupied Britain.

The Segontium Roman Museum opened in 1924 vividly portrays the story of the conquest and occupation of Wales by the Romans and displays the finds from nearby auxiliary fort of Segontium, one of the most famous in Britain. The site was one of the first Roman sites to be developed as a historical venue.

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