Cefn Carnedd facts for kids
 Location in Powys
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| Location | Near Caersws, Wales |
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| Coordinates | 52°29′56″N 3°26′57″W / 52.49889°N 3.44917°W |
| Type | Hillfort |
| Length | 437 metres (1,434 ft) |
| Width | 84 metres (276 ft) |
| Area | 6 hectares (15 acres) |
| History | |
| Periods | Iron Age |
Cefn Carnedd is an ancient hillfort from the Iron Age. It is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of Caersws in Powys, Wales. This important site is protected as a scheduled monument, meaning it is a place of national historical importance.
The hillfort sits on a hill, giving it a great view. To the east, it overlooks the River Severn. To the north, it looks over the Afon Cerist and Afon Trannon rivers. There is a place where these rivers meet, just northeast of the fort, near Caersws.
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What is Cefn Carnedd?
Cefn Carnedd is a large hillfort, shaped like a long oval. It measures about 437 meters (1,434 feet) long and 84 meters (276 feet) wide. The fort covers an area of about 6 hectares (15 acres). It was built to follow the natural shape of the hill.
Fort Defenses
On its northwest side, the fort has three layers of banks and ditches. These were built to protect the people inside. There are also special entrances at the northeast and southwest ends of the fort.
How it Changed Over Time
Archaeologists believe Cefn Carnedd was built in different stages. At first, there was a smaller fort at the southwest end. This early fort was about 1.6 hectares (4 acres) in size. You can still see traces of its old rampart (a defensive wall) in aerial photos. Later, a straight bank and ditch were added across the middle of the fort. This shows how the fort changed over many years.
Who Lived at Cefn Carnedd?
Historians think Cefn Carnedd might have been a strong base for the Ordovices. The Ordovices were an ancient Celtic tribe who lived in what is now Wales during the Iron Age. They were known for being fierce warriors.
A Famous Battle?
Cefn Carnedd is also one of the places suggested as the site of a very important battle. This was the last battle of a famous British leader named Caratacus. In AD 51, Caratacus led his people against the powerful Roman army. He was eventually defeated by the Romans. This battle was a major event in the history of Roman Britain.
