Maen Madoc, Roman memorial stone in Powys, Wales.
Maen Madoc is a sandstone menhir standing near the Sarn Helen Roman road in Powys, Wales. The upright stone displays a Latin inscription carved into its surface.
The stone bears the inscription 'DERVACIVS FILIVS IVSTI IC IACIT', marking the burial site of Dervacius, son of Justus, from the late Roman period. This commemorative practice shows how Romans memorialized their dead along key routes.
The stone reflects how Romans and local people honored their dead along travel routes, with the inscription serving as a permanent marker for those passing by.
The site remains waterlogged throughout most seasons, so proper footwear is essential for a comfortable visit. Plan your trip for drier weather conditions to make the walk easier.
Archaeological excavations in 1940 revealed that the stone stood at the edge of the Roman road with no burial pit beneath it. This discovery suggests the inscription functioned as a memorial marker rather than marking an actual grave.
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