Moel y Gaer, Llantysilio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moel y Gaer |
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Moel y Gaer, Llantysilio
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| Type | hillfort |
| Location | Denbighshire, Wales |
| OS grid reference | SJ 16705 46365 |
| Elevation | 504 metres (1,654 ft) |
| Official name: Moel y Gaer, Cefn | |
| Reference no. | DE126 |
| Community | Bryneglwys |
| Principal area | Denbighshire |
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Moel y Gaer is an ancient place in Wales. Its name means "bald hill of the fortress" in Welsh. It is an Iron Age hillfort, which is a type of old fort built on a hill.
This hillfort sits on top of Llantysilio Mountain, near the town of Llangollen in Denbighshire. It is a very important historical site. Because of its history, it is protected as a "scheduled monument." This means it is a special prehistoric defense site.
Protecting Moel y Gaer
Moel y Gaer is part of a special effort called the Heather and Hillforts Project. This project helps protect and look after several old hillforts. It includes six hillforts in total, making sure these important historical sites are preserved for the future.
What Does Moel y Gaer Look Like?
The hillfort at Moel y Gaer is shaped like a rough oval. It measures about 140 meters (460 feet) from east to west and 100 meters (330 feet) across. This area covers almost one hectare (about 2.3 acres).
The fort has a single stone wall, called a rampart, and a ditch around it. The wall can be up to 3.1 meters (10 feet) high on the outside. There is only one entrance, which is on the eastern side. The very top of the hill is 503.5 meters (1,652 feet) above sea level.
What Have We Found There?
Experts have done surveys and digs at Moel y Gaer to learn more about it. Between 2006 and 2007, a detailed map was made of the area. This map showed the remains of 11 roundhouses inside the fort. These roundhouses were homes where people lived long ago. Most of them were on the eastern side.
In 2009, another survey used special equipment to look underground. This survey found even more possible roundhouses. It also showed signs of old paths and two possible rectangular buildings.
In 2010, archaeologists dug into the ground. They found two roundhouses, each about 7 meters (23 feet) wide. These houses were from different times when people lived there. The digs showed that there are still many important historical things hidden underground at Moel y Gaer.
