Caermead Roman Site

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a villa complex, which dates to the Romano-British period (c. AD 74 - 410) represented by earthworks and traces of walling over an area measuring 84m north to south by 76m. A possible boundary bank and ditch runs along the east of the site and continues to the south. Excavation has revealed the first main phase of occupation was in the mid/late 2nd century when a range of stone buildings with a tiled roof was built to the north of the site. This was subsequently extended in the 3rd century to include a bath house and the whole further developed in the early 4th century into a complex double courtyard plan. Essentially functioning as the hub of an agricultural estate the site was probably developed to emphasise the high status, wealth and Romanised cultural values of the landed elite of the local native tribe. An important mosaic located in the triclinium or dining room remains buried in situ. The site had been abandoned by c. AD 350. Part of the site was later used as a cemetery, presumed to be in the early medieval period.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Romano-British rural settlement and socio-economic organisation. The feature forms an important element within the wider context of Romano-British society in Wales and retains significant archaeological potential. Villas are often part of a larger cluster of rural and urban settlements and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.

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