Canovium, Roman fort in Caerhun, North Wales
Canovium is a Roman fort built on elevated ground near the Conwy River and strategically positioned to control river crossings. The site was laid out in a rectangular plan and contained various buildings for military and administrative purposes.
The fort was founded around 75 CE as a timber structure and later rebuilt in stone during the early 2nd century. Its transformation to stone construction was part of a broader Roman strategy to secure the Welsh frontier.
The site functioned as an important administrative hub for the local population of the region. People would have conducted daily business and interacted with passing merchants, making the location a social and economic focal point.
Visitors can explore three quarters of the ancient fort and view the remains from various angles. The northeastern section lies beneath the medieval St Mary's parish church and is not accessible to the public.
Archaeological excavations revealed a large milestone that had stood at a considerable distance from the fort, becoming a significant discovery for researchers. The milestone stood as rare evidence of connections between this location and imperial administration.
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