Mynydd Waun Fawr Roman road

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument comprises the surviving earthworks of the Roman road travelling N from the fort at Caersws. The earthwork of the Roman road is now only visible in parts. This stretch survives as an earthwork situated within enclosed unimproved rough pasture between SJ 0394 0750 in the N and SJ 0397 0734 in the S. Although difficult to distinguish along its entire length, the earthwork is visible as an agger, or raised embankment, measuring c.6m in width and up to 0.3m in height. Barely visible side gullies (drainage ditches) can occasionally be identified, measuring c.1m in width.

The primary Roman road network was designed and constructed by the Roman army for the purpose of military conquest and rule. Roads were built and used throughout Roman Britain from the mid 1st century AD onwards. In Wales, the majority of the Roman road network dates from the Flavian-Trajanic conquest and garrison (between AD 74 and AD 117).

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Roman military organisation. The monument forms an important element within the wider context of the Roman occupation of Wales and the structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information in regard to chronology and building techniques. Apparently undisturbed, this short section of road is extremely well-preserved.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is linear and measures about 150m from N to S by 15m transversely.