Roman fort found in Wales could prove myth of emperor’s camp is real
Archaeologists have discovered a Roman fort in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which provides physical evidence for a medieval legend regarding Emperor Magnus Maximus. The site, identified by Dr. Mark Merrony, contains fourth-century coins and artifacts that align with the location described in the Mabinogion. This finding challenges previous assumptions about Roman presence in the region and suggests the area was not peaceful with Indigenous Celtic tribes.
- ▪Dr. Mark Merrony from the University of Oxford discovered the fort in 2024 using satellite imagery and subsequent ground surveys.
- ▪The excavation uncovered late fourth-century coins and a Roman tile, supporting the historical basis of the Mabinogion tale 'The Dream of Macsen Wledig'.
- ▪The fort measures 180 by 150 meters and is estimated to have housed approximately 500 troops.
- ▪The discovery overturns the assumption that the local Indigenous Celtic tribe maintained peaceful relations with Roman invaders in this remote area.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/12/mythical-roman-fort-frenni-fawr-wales-emperor |
| Publication time | Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:00:48 GMT |
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A mock-up of the site in the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire. Photograph: Mark MerronyView image in fullscreenA mock-up of the site in the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire. Photograph: Mark MerronyRoman BritainRoman fort found in Wales could prove myth of emperor’s camp is realExclusive: Finds suggest account in medieval folklore of a camp near Frenni Fawr hill was rooted in realityDalya AlbergeMon 12 Oct 2026 03.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 12 Oct 2026 03.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMagnus Maximus, the Roman emperor who ruled Britain in the fourth century, led his troops against the Picts and Scots, but a theory that he also established a military camp near Frenni Fawr hill in Wales has so far been based on folklore.Now fourth-century coins, among other finds at a newly identified…
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