The Romans called it Isca, after the River Usk – we know it in Welsh as Caerllion, ‘Fortress of the legion’. Under the wary eye of the native Silures in their hill-top forts, the Romans built a thriving fortress, port and military base here on the very edge of their Empire.
Unlike the other principal legionary cities at York and Chester, present-day Caerleon has revealed many of its secrets. We are keen to show off the Roman Baths, Barracks, Walls and amphitheatre – the most complete in the UK, which in its heyday held up to 6,000. Our own branch of the National Museum brings the Roman Caerleon story to life and you can bump into gladiators and legionaries at regular themed events.
We even have a virtual centurion to show you round. You can see how the other (non-military) half lived, worked and shopped at nearby Caerwent just a few miles east down the A48 - the old Roman road to Gloucester.
But Caerleon’s story doesn’t end with the Romans – it’s also home to the legend of King Arthur - now one of the world’s most long-lasting characters in books, films and tv. Local writer Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote up our ancient Welsh myths in the 12th century placing Arthur and his court firmly in Caerleon with the Roman amphitheatre providing a ready-made ‘round table’. 700 years later Tennyson wrote his version at the Hanbury Arms and today the Arthur myth has inspired sculptures at Fwrrwm Art and Craft Centre.
Caerleon Roman Fortress