Early Beginnings: The Roman Fort
The origins of Cardiff Castle date back nearly two millennia, to the Roman occupation of Britain. Around the late 1st century AD, the Romans built a fort on the site that would eventually become the castle, as part of their broader campaign to secure and control the territory of modern-day Wales.
The Roman fort at Cardiff was strategically placed on a hill overlooking the River Taff and the Bristol Channel, giving it a commanding view of the surrounding land and sea routes. This fortification was part of the Roman military network designed to control local tribes, protect supply lines, and facilitate communication across the province of Britannia.
Archaeological excavations reveal that the Roman fort included typical features such as defensive earthworks, timber palisades, barracks, and a headquarters building. Over time, the Romans developed the site into a permanent base for their legions stationed in the area. Though the Roman presence in Wales declined by the early 5th century, their fortifications laid the groundwork for later medieval castle construction. shutdown123