Via Julia Maritima (Margary 60)

The main Roman highway across South Wales was given the title ‘Via Julia Maritima’, by 18th century antiquarians, in recognition of the role in its construction of Sextus Julius Frontinus, governor of Britain, and commander of the three legions which invaded Wales AD 74-78.

It was one of the most important Roman roads in southern Wales, believed to have run along the coastal belt from Caerwent (Venta Silurum) in the east to Carmarthen (Moridunum) in the west. It formed a key part of the Roman military and administrative network in Britannia, linking legionary headquarters at Caerleon (Isca Silurum) with key forts, towns, and coastal supply points across south Wales. Margary classified it as Route 60c, a branch of the main east–west Roman route system. Although its precise path is still debated, strong archaeological and topographical evidence indicates it followed much of the modern A48 corridor, passing through or near Cardiff, Cowbridge, Neath (Nidum), and Loughor (Letocetum) before terminating at Carmarthen, which was one of the most developed Roman towns in Wales.

The Roman road is catalogued under Margary Number 60. This route is divided into four main sections:

1. 60a – From Newnham to Caerleon.
2. 60b – From Caerleon to Cardiff.
3. 60c – From Cardiff to Neath (Nidum).
4. 60d – From Neath to Carmarthen.

The road’s function extended beyond military use; it supported economic and administrative control of the region, linking farming estates, mining operations (such as those near Dolaucothi Roman Mine), and shipping routes along the Bristol Channel. Key settlements like Cowbridge, where Roman walls and artefacts have been found, acted as waystations or minor townships, ensuring safe passage and accommodation for travellers, messengers, and troops. The road also connected several river crossings, suggesting it was carefully engineered to take advantage of fords, bridges, and natural harbours. While parts of it may have been constructed from scratch, it is also likely that the Romans repurposed earlier Iron Age trackways and coastal paths, upgrading them with metalling and proper drainage to ensure year-round usability.

Sites near Via Julia Maritima (Margary 60)

• Cardiff (Tamion?) Roman Fort (1 km)
  Saxon Shore Fort and Vexillation Fort
• Cardiff Roman Villa (4 km)
  Villa
• Caerau Hillfort, Cardiff (6 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort
• Caerau Hillfort, Llantrisant (6 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort
• Dinas Powys Hillfort (6 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort
• Wenallt Camp (7 km)
  Iron Age Defended Enclosures
• Castle Field Camp (7 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort
• Llwynda-Ddu Camp (9 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort
• Sully Island (10 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort
• Coed Craig Ruperra (11 km)
  Iron Age Hillfort