Isca Augusta

Isca Augusta is the Roman legionary fortress founded at Caerleon in south-east Wales, established around AD 75 as the base for the Legio II Augusta. It is one of the principal Roman military sites in Britain and includes substantial archaeological remains and a museum.

Key on-site features are the fortress plan, the amphitheatre, and a well-preserved bath complex. The adjacent museum displays finds recovered during excavation, and the overall ensemble illustrates Roman military life and administration in the province of Britannia.

The fortress was built for and occupied by Legio II Augusta in the late first century AD and remained a major military base across the Roman period; parts fell out of use after the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the early 5th century. Excavations from the 19th century onward have revealed the layout and many structural details.

The site lies at Caerleon, on the River Usk, a few miles north-west of Newport in South Wales, within easy driving distance of Cardiff and other cities in southeast Wales.

• Roman legion base: The fortress was the permanent base of the Legio II Augusta from about AD 75; archaeological traces include defences, a headquarters and an amphitheatre.
• Access and visit tips: Site is located near the modern town of Caerleon, a short drive from Newport; combine the fortress ruins with the on-site museum for a complete visit.

What to See #

• Roman amphitheatre: An oval amphitheatre whose earthworks and stone seating survive; it was used for training and spectacle and is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Britain.
• Baths and fortress buildings: Excavated remains of the legionary bath complex and barrack buildings that formed part of the fortress established for the Legio II Augusta.
• National Roman Legion Museum: A museum on site displaying Roman military finds from the fortress and auxiliary settlements, including weapons, inscriptions and everyday objects.