Gaer Maesmynach

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a hillfort, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 74, the Roman conquest of Wales). Hillforts are usually Iocated on hilltops and surrounded by a single or multiple earthworks of massive proportions. Hillforts must have formed symbols of power within the landscape, while their function may have had as much to do with ostentation and display as defence. Gaer Maesmynach consists of a hill top enclosure defended on the north, east and south by a bank and ditch c.2m high internally and c.5m high externally above the bottom of the ditch. 'The ditch is well preserved on the south and east, but peters out on the north. On the east and south an outer bank rises c.2m from the bottom of the ditch. There is an entrance on the south-east with a causeway over the ditch, but this entrance has been affected by disturbance on the bank on the south side; apparently a dugout which has fallen in. On the west, a steep slope apparently suffices for defence, as the bank peters out here. A bank and ditch running south from the entrance was removed by machine in the late 1970s, but they are still apparent as a low raised area.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.