Blestium, Roman fort site in Monmouth, Wales
Blestium is a Roman military fort in Monmouth that extends across the town center, positioned where the Monnow and Wye rivers meet. Archaeological remains include military ditches, building foundations, and pottery artifacts scattered across the site.
The fort was established around 55 AD as the first Roman military installation in Wales during campaigns against the Silures tribe. It served as a garrison for decades, anchoring Roman military control in the region.
The site served as a military hub that gradually became a center for local craft and trade. Its position at the river junction made it a natural gathering place where soldiers and merchants interacted daily.
Excavation areas are scattered across the town center, accessible from various points along Monnow Street. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven, and note that some areas may have limited accessibility.
Reconstruction work in 2010 at Agincourt Square unexpectedly uncovered sections of the original fort buried beneath modern streets. This discovery revealed that Roman structures had survived nearly 2000 years despite constant urban development above.
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