Caerleon Roman Fort

A garrison of as many as 5500 legionnaires would have inhabited this fort at its peak, so the complex was extensive. Within its walls was a barracks, baths, drill halls, workshops and granaries. A small town built up round about the fort, and there were shops on its streets, selling all from food and drink to pottery and other goods to the soldiers. An amphitheatre – the remains of which are still visible – was used by the army for training and to stage gladiatorial shows. Since it wasn't permitted for burials to take place within the town itself, the roads leading in and out of Caerleon have been found to be lined with graves.
    The legion was frequently absent from the garrison as they were often called to fight in Scotland, and there is evidence that the city fell into substantial disrepair in the phases when they were away. When the Romans finally departed in the 3rd century AD a lot of the buildings were knocked down before they left.
 

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