Segontium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Segontium |
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 Location in Gwynedd
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| Founded | CE 77 or 78 |
| Abandoned | CE 4th century |
| Place in the Roman world | |
| Province | Britannia |
| Structure | |
| — Stone structure — | |
| Built | 2nd century |
| — Wood and earth structure — | |
| Built | 1st century |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 53°08′14″N 4°15′57″W / 53.1373°N 4.2659°W |
| Town | Caernarfon |
| County | Gwynedd |
| Country | Wales |
| Reference | |
| UK-OSNG reference | SH485624 |
| Site notes | |
| Controlled by | Cadw |
Segontium (also known as Cair Segeint) was an important Roman fort in North Wales. It was located near the modern town of Caernarfon in Gwynedd. This fort was a key military base for the Romans in this part of Britain. It also served as an administrative center. Roman soldiers, called auxiliaries, from places like modern-day Belgium and Germany lived here. Segontium was used by the Romans until they left Britain.
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What's in a Name?
The name Segontium likely comes from the nearby River Seiont. It might also come from an older British settlement named after the river. The name is a Latin version of a word from the ancient Brythonic language. It probably means "strong place."
There is no proof that this fort is connected to a British tribe called the Segontiaci. That tribe was mentioned by Julius Caesar.
History of Segontium
Building the Roman Fort
The Roman general Agricola built Segontium in AD 77 or 78. This happened after he conquered the Ordovices people in North Wales. Segontium became the main Roman fort in northern Roman Wales. It was built to house about 1,000 auxiliary foot soldiers.
A Roman road connected Segontium to the main Roman base at Chester, called Deva Victrix. Unlike the later Caernarfon Castle, Segontium was built on higher ground. This gave the Romans a good view of the Menai Straits.
Changes Over Time
At first, the fort had defenses made of wood and earth. These were rebuilt with stone in the early 2nd century. Around the same time, a large house with its own small bathhouse was built inside the fort. This important building might have been for a high-ranking official. This person may have managed the mining of minerals in the area.
By the year 120, fewer soldiers were stationed at the fort. An inscription on an aqueduct from the time of Emperor Septimius Severus shows changes. By the 3rd century, about 500 men from the Cohors I Sunicorum were based there. These soldiers originally came from the Sunici people in Gallia Belgica. The fort's size continued to shrink during the 3rd and 4th centuries.
During this later period, Segontium's main job was to protect the north Wales coast. It defended against Irish raiders and pirates. Coins found at Segontium show that people lived there until at least the year 394.
Segontium Today
Today, the A4085 road to Beddgelert cuts through the old fort site. However, most of the fort's original foundations are still preserved. You can buy guidebooks about Segontium at other Cadw sites, like Caernarfon Castle.
Archaeologists have also found remains of a civilian settlement around the fort. This includes a Roman temple dedicated to Mithras, known as the Caernarfon Mithraeum. A Roman cemetery has also been found nearby.
Stories and Books
Segontium is mentioned in old Welsh stories. These are found in the Mabinogion, a collection of tales from the Middle Ages. In one story, Breuddwyd Macsen Wledig ("The dream of Macsen Wledig"), the Emperor Macsen dreams of a beautiful woman. She turns out to be at "the fort at the mouth of the Seiont."
The novel Eagle in the Snow by Wallace Breem starts and ends at Segontium. It also mentions the temple of Mithras. The fort also appears in The Crystal Cave and The Hollow Hills. These are part of Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy.
Gallery
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Foundations of the commander's house
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Basement strongroom
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Remains of bath house
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Plaque marking barrack block
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Building components unearthed on site
