Cantiorix Inscription facts for kids

The Cantiorix Inscription is an old stone found in north Wales. It was a grave marker from a time just after the Romans left Britain. This special stone is important for two main reasons. First, it's the earliest known mention of the ancient Kingdom of Gwynedd. Second, it uses Roman words like 'citizen' and 'magistrate'.

Some people think this stone shows that Roman-style government continued in Gwynedd after the Romans left. Others aren't so sure about that.

What the Inscription Says

The stone has writing in Latin. A scholar named Thomas Charles-Edwards translated it. He said it means: "Cantiori lies here; he was a citizen of Gwynedd, a cousin of Maglus the magistrate."

This inscription is written all in capital letters. It uses a style of Latin that was common in everyday talk around the 400s or 500s AD. This helps historians figure out when the stone was made. The words 'citizen' and 'magistrate' are Roman terms. Some historians believe this shows that Roman ideas about government continued in Wales.

Where the Stone Was Found

The Cantiorix stone was discovered near a place called Ffestiniog in north Wales. This area is traditionally known as the 'Graves of the Men of Ardudwy'.

Over time, much of the original site has been lost. Today, mostly just an old Roman road can still be seen there. Old records mention that the site had graves marked by upright stones. This suggests it was once a cemetery.

What Historians Think

Historians agree that the Cantiorix Inscription is very important because it's the first time Gwynedd is mentioned. However, they have different ideas about what the words 'citizen' and 'magistrate' really mean.

Some historians, like Thomas Charles-Edwards, believe these words show that Roman ways of governing continued. They think it suggests a Roman-style "political discussion" was still happening in northern Wales.

Other historians, like John Edward Lloyd, mention the stone but don't think it proves Roman administration continued. They believe Welsh society kept its own traditions after the Romans left.

Wendy Davies noted that the inscription is special because it's the only one that clearly mentions a "citizen of Gwynedd." This helps us understand the size and type of community at that time.

John Davies also mentioned the stone. He thought it showed a desire to hold onto parts of the Roman world, especially for trade. But he didn't think it meant Roman government continued.

Christopher Snyder pointed out that the word 'magistrate' is unusual for British inscriptions from this period. He noted that similar terms were used in other parts of the former Roman Empire. Snyder also questioned what "citizen of Gwynedd" meant. He said Gwynedd was a region that later became a kingdom, not a city.

Another historian, Victor Erle Nash-Williams, believed the inscription showed that north Wales had an organized government after the Romans left. He thought it might have been centered around an old Roman fort called Segontium.

Historians continue to study the Cantiorix Inscription. It helps them learn more about what life was like in Wales after the Romans departed.

Images for kids

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  Replica of the Cantiorix inscription