Roman Fort Segontium

The Segontium camp was founded around 77 or 78 AD under Gnaeus Iulius Agricola, after he had subdued the Ordovices and reoccupied the island of Mona (Anglesey). This served to consolidate Roman rule in the region. The fort was strategically important for controlling access to the copper-rich island of Anglesey, securing ore transport, and protecting the coast from Irish raiders. It developed into an administrative center for northwest Wales. Initial investigations took place in the mid-19th century, but most of the foundations visible today were uncovered during scientific excavations between 1921 and 1923. Later excavations in the 1970s revealed wooden barracks from the late 1st and early 2nd centuries AD. Coin finds from the reign of Gratian (367-383) and traces of repairs indicate occupation until the end of the 4th century. In the spring of 383 AD, Magnus Maximus, proclaimed emperor by his troops, withdrew a large part of the Roman forces from Wales, which led to a weakening of defenses and ultimately to the abandonment of the fort, as Irish raids increased and the remaining militias could no longer effectively protect the coast.

Segontium Fort is located in Caernarfon, in the county of Gwynedd in Wales, United Kingdom. It stands at an elevation of approximately 38 meters above sea level.

Today, Segontium Fort is accessible to visitors, offering the opportunity to explore the remains of this once important Roman military installation.

• Caernarfon Castle (ruin), approx. 0.8 km away
• Beaumaris Castle (ruin), approx. 18.4 km away
• Criccieth Castle (ruin), approx. 24.7 km away
• Harlech Castle (ruin), approx. 32.6 km away