This was an important fort and formed the hub from where several Roman roads radiated outwards in all directions; to Abergavenny and Kenchester in the east, Llandovery and Carmarthen in the west, Llandrindod in the north, and an important route to the Neath valley in the south along Sarn Helen (a common name for Roman roads in Wales). This route can still be followed in places today, either on foot or by bike as it heads south-west from Brecon, across the common at Mynydd Illtyd and continues south through the Ystradfellte valley towards Neath.
The Romans also started mining the area, and the only surviving gold mine in Southern Wales at Dolaucothi, to the north-west of the National Park, is of Roman origin.
After the Romans departed, Britain entered the Dark Ages where there is little record of man's activities; tribal elements probably re-established themselves and much of the Roman's civilising influence disappeared as people reverted to old ways, like building in wood, not making or using pottery, or using coins.
Picture: Llangorse Crannog
Some of the earliest evidence we have from the early Medieval period occurs at Llangorse Lake, South Wales' largest natural body of water. This lake holds a rare and fascinating secret dating from the 9th Century. What looks like a tree studded island just a short distance from the shore is in fact an ancient Crannog, or lake dwelling, dating from around 890AD. These rare structures were either built on stilts or man made islands constructed by piling stones and earth on top of brushwood and reeds, interspersed with layers of sand or peat. The whole structure was then held in place with a palisade of oak planks.
The Llangorse Crannog is believed, from archaeological evidence, to have been a residence for the royal family of Brycheiniog and is thought to have been destroyed by fire in around 916AD.
Picture: Crannog Intrepretation Centre, Llangorse
An interpretation centre now stands on the shore opposite the Crannog, enabling visitors to get an idea of what life there would have been like.
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Later, in around AD70 when Wales was finally conquered, a more permanent camp was established at Y Gaer to the west of Brecon, and this was occupied until around 300 AD.
The Romans....and onwards! Statistics: 1 click throughs, 65 views since start of 2025
