Isca Augusta

Isca Augusta is a Roman fortress in Caerleon, Wales, where remains of barracks, storehouses, and military infrastructure lie across a wide site. The large amphitheater on the western edge served as a central venue for assemblies and training exercises for the Second Legion Augusta stationed here.

The Romans established this military post in 74 AD during campaigns against Celtic tribes and kept it occupied until the end of the third century. After the legion withdrew, the site lost its military function and was gradually abandoned.

The baths at the edge of the site are among the best-preserved Roman military baths in Europe and offer a tangible sense of soldier daily life. The changing rooms and heating chambers show directly how legionaries removed their equipment after drill and recovered from their duties.

The site can be explored freely during daylight, with visits between spring and autumn recommended for better visibility and ground conditions. Comfortable shoes are advisable since pathways cross uneven surfaces and grassy areas.

Excavations in 2011 brought to light remains of a Roman harbor near the fortress, pointing to active ship traffic on the Usk. This discovery changed earlier assumptions about supply routes and trade for the legion in this region.