From Rome to Glywysing: The Roman Period AD74-410

Roman Brooch - This is a Roman disc brooch found during excavations at Caerau Hillfort in 2013. It is made from copper alloy and in-laid with red, green and grey/silver enamel. There is a large empty circular space in the middle which may have origin

Roman Brooch - This is a Roman disc brooch found during excavations at Caerau Hillfort in 2013. It is made from copper alloy and in-laid with red, green and grey/silver enamel. There is a large empty circular space in the middle which may have originally held a gemstone. (Photo copyright CAER Heritage).

Roman Coins - These two coins were found by R.E.M. Wheeler during his excavation at the Roman villa in Trelai Park in 1921. The left-hand coin is a silver ‘Denarius’ minted around the time the villa was built, during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pi

Roman Coins - These two coins were found by R.E.M. Wheeler during his excavation at the Roman villa in Trelai Park in 1921. The left-hand coin is a silver ‘Denarius’ minted around the time the villa was built, during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD138-161). The right-hand coin is a bronze ‘As’ of Trajan (AD98-117). (Photo copyright Viv Thomas).

Painted Roman Wall Plaster - This fragment of painted Roman wall plaster was also found by R.E.M. Wheeler at the Roman villa in Trelai Park in 1921. The interiors of Roman buildings were sometimes decorated with paintings and designs using bold colou

Painted Roman Wall Plaster - This fragment of painted Roman wall plaster was also found by R.E.M. Wheeler at the Roman villa in Trelai Park in 1921. The interiors of Roman buildings were sometimes decorated with paintings and designs using bold colours. This fragment suggests the villa at Ely was a lavish residence of a wealthy family. (Photo copyright Viv Thomas).