(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 27, 2001 ) An ancient Roman carving dating from the second or third century has been unearthed by conservation workers at Segontium Roman Fort near Caernarfon in North Wales.

The exciting discovery was made by members of Cadwraeth Cymru, the works branch of Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments, which has responsibility for the site. While removing the remains of a nineteenth-century farm building, workers discovered the stone, re-used in the more modern structure.

The carving clearly shows a figure, possibly bearded, grasping a spear in his right hand and a shield in his left, advancing to the left. He is thought to represent a Roman warrior, perhaps Mars, the God of War, or possibly a figure from a hunting scene. Although not in its original position, the stone most probably formed part of the decoration on an important building within the fort.

The carving will be brought to Cardiff for further investigation and specialist cleaning. Once this work has been completed, it will be returned to Segontium to be displayed in the Segontium Museum, which is run by the National Museums and Galleries of Wales.

Dr Mike Yates, Cadw inspector of ancient monuments, says, “This is one of the most exciting discoveries from Segontium since excavations were carried out here in the 1960s. We know Segontium continued to play a crucial role in the economic life of North Wales throughout the Roman period. We hope that more detailed study will shed further light on the later history of the fort."

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For further information contact Hannah Thomas, Cadw information officer, on 029 2082 6178, or Rhodri Owen or Catrin Hughes at Cambrensis PR on 029 2025 7075

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