Caerleon

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Caerleon in Gwent was the legionary base of the legio (Roman legion) II Augusta. It became its permanent headquarters in the mid/late 70s ad, probably under the governor Frontinus, subsequent to its postings at Exeter and Gloucester. Excavations at Caerleon have revealed impressive structures such as the military bath-house. Epigraphic and literary evidence connected with Caerleon has provided invaluable insights into the workings of both legion and province. An inscription from Goldcliff, a few miles from the fortress, implies that II Augusta was involved in the reclamation of waterlogged land. An inscription on a statue-base from nearby Caerwent records that it was set up ‘by decree of the council of the civitas Silurum’ to Tiberius Claudius Paulinus, a legate of II Augusta at Caerleon, who went on to become governor. Two Christian martyrs, Aaron and Julius, died at Caerleon during the 3rd-cent. persecutions.

Eleanor Scott

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