Nidum

Nidum, a Roman fort nestled in the heart of Cwrt Herbert near the town of Neath, Wales, is a fascinating historical site that transports visitors back to the ancient days of Roman Britain. This auxiliary fort, initially constructed around 74 AD, stands as a testament to the Roman Empire's vast reach and military prowess. Despite its age, the remnants of Nidum continue to intrigue historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike.

The History of Nidum

The story of Nidum begins in the early days of Roman Britain. Originally built from earth banks and wooden structures, the fort was designed to house approximately 500 auxiliary troops. These soldiers were not Roman citizens but rather recruits from conquered territories, tasked with maintaining order and securing the Empire's frontiers.

Shortly after its construction, the fort underwent a reduction in size, shrinking from 3.3 hectares to 2.3 hectares. This change likely reflected strategic adjustments in response to the local environment and military needs. Despite these modifications, Nidum remained a crucial outpost in the Roman network of forts and roads.

In around 125 AD, Nidum was abandoned, only to be re-occupied and rebuilt in stone around 140 AD. This period of reoccupation, however, was short-lived, and the fort was once again deserted by 170 AD. After a century of disuse, Nidum saw a final period of occupation between 275 AD and 320 AD, marking the end of its active role in Roman Britain.

The Name and Road Evidence

The name Nidum has been well-documented since the 19th century, appearing in the Antonine Itinerary, a Roman-era register of forts and distances. This document places Nidum 14 miles east of Leucarum (modern-day Loughor) and 27 miles west of Bomio (an unknown fort, possibly Cowbridge). The clear similarity between Nidum and the Welsh name Nedd helped confirm the fort's location in the Neath area.

Although no physical evidence of Roman roads leading to or from Nidum remains, historical records and the predictable patterns of Roman road construction suggest that routes once connected the fort to other significant Roman sites. These presumed routes are designated as RR60c (to the east) and RR60d (to the west) by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW).

To the north-east, another unknown route connects Nidum to the well-defined Roman road RR622, which runs to Y Gaer (Brecon) via the Coelbren Fort at Banwen. This road is part of the larger network of Roman roads in Wales, traditionally known as the Sarn Helen.

Archaeological Evidence

The site of Nidum was first identified in 1949 during construction work on the A474 road, which uncovered the south-west gateway. A year later, the south-east gateway was also discovered. Subsequent excavations in 1958, 1962, 1984-85, and 2011 have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including roof and floor tiles, pieces of a 1st-century amphora, and fragments of kitchen- and tableware dating from the fort's earliest phase to the early 2nd century.

Among the finds were six coins, ranging from the reign of Augustus (23 B.C. - A.D. 14) to Trajan (A.D. 98-117). These artifacts, once displayed in the now-closed Neath Museum, are currently in storage. The site itself is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected for its historical significance.

One notable discovery from the 2011 excavation was the gate-towers of the earlier gateway, located to the north-west of the reduced-sized fort's ramparts. The presence of post-holes indicates that these towers extended beyond the wall line, a unique feature in Britain at the time, suggesting that extreme defensive measures were necessary against the hostile Silures.

Visible Remains

Today, visitors to Nidum can view the remains of the two southern gateways, uncovered during the 1949 and 1950 excavations. These stone structures have been preserved and are now displayed within small enclosures surrounded by iron railings. One of these enclosures is situated within the roadside verge of the A474, while the other occupies a corner of a housing estate along the modern 'Roman Way'.

These remains reveal the bases of the two gate-towers and the dual carriageway that once lay between them. Additionally, a section of the ditch that surrounded the ramparts is visible, which would have been crossed by a timber bridge. These remnants offer a tangible connection to the fort's storied past and provide a glimpse into the Roman military's architectural ingenuity.

Conclusion

Exploring Nidum is a journey through time, offering a unique window into the Roman Empire's presence in Wales. The fort's history, from its initial construction and subsequent modifications to its eventual abandonment and final reoccupation, reflects the dynamic and often turbulent nature of Roman Britain. While much of Nidum's story remains buried beneath the modern landscape, the visible remains and archaeological finds continue to shed light on this fascinating chapter of history. For anyone interested in the ancient world, a visit to Nidum is an unmissable experience that brings the distant past vividly to life.