Nidum

Nidum (or NIDVM) is a Roman fort found near the town of Neath, in Wales. An Auxiliary fort first built in around 74AD from earth banks and wooden structures, it underwent a reduction in size from 3.3 to 2.3 hectares (8 to 6 acres) soon afterwards. It may have been garrisoned by perhaps 500 Auxiliary troops.[1] It was abandoned in around 125AD, but re-occupied around 140AD when it was rebuilt in stone. However it was only occupied until 170AD, with 100 years of disuse before a final period in use from AD 275 and 320.[2]

Remains of the south gate entrance to the Roman fort at Nidum

Much of the site is in the grounds of Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School, where a 2011 dig found gate-towers that extended out beyond the wall line, unique in Britain for its time, suggesting extreme defensive measures needed to be taken against the hostile Silures.[3]

The site was first identified in 1949, and various excavations related to school or other building works took place in 1950, 1958, 1962, 1984–5.[4] Finds recovered from these digs included roof and floor tiles, pieces of a 1st-century amphora, fragments of kitchen- and table-ware ranging in date from the earliest construction phase to the early-2nd century. One or two pieces are from the mid-2nd century. Six coins were also found, ranging from Augustus (Imp. 23B.C. - A.D.14) to Trajan (Imp. A.D.98-117).[1] Some of the artifacts from the site are on permanent exhibition in the Neath Museum. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.[5]