Arthurian Legend / Carmarthen

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

Carmarthen - A town known by the Romans, it is likely the oldest town in Wales. The Roman fort under most of the center of Carmarthen is dated to 75-77 AD but there's not much there, just one small Roman amphitheatre, that looks like a bit of stonewall and some grass. It is one of the seven surviving amphitheatres in the UK.There's also a small castle but there's not much left.

But it's best known for Merlin. It was here that it is said he was born and he's still trapped somewhere under the hollow hill that bears his name, Bryn Myrddin (Merlin's Hill). The Black Book of Carmarthen includes poems with references to Merlin but it was written after Arthurian legend was already known.

So what is Carmarthen like?

Well, there's not much there, other than a typical town. Yes, there is a legend of Merlin's Oak but that tree was destroyed in the 1800s and there's nothing but a bend in the road now and it probably wasn't that old to begin with.

So I'd give the town a miss, not even one pointy hat.

But….

Merlin's Hill is another matter. It's a couple of miles northeast outside of town, a large Iron Age hill fort from about 400 BC. The owners charge a small fee to go up but it's worth the climb for the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Apparently, there is also a standing stone close by but I couldn't find it.

I'd give this location 1 pointy hat just for the views.

Wikipedia on Carmarthen
Wikipedia on Moridunum 
Google map 

In Carmarthen
Roman amphitheatre.

 

Carmarthen Castle

One of the old churches in town. It was closed but there were lots of really old gravestones.

Merlin's Hill

Sheep and a sheepdog but no sign of Merlin