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Roman fort dig near Neath school unearths new secrets

Excavation work on the site of a Roman fort near a school has revealed what archaeologists believe are structures never previously seen in the UK.

The dig in the playing fields of Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive Upper School in Neath has uncovered sections of the defences of the 1st Century building.

These include a defence tower partially set outside its ramparts allowing soldiers to shoot at gate attackers.

A fort was in occupation on the site until at least the 3rd Century.

The trust was asked by Neath Port Talbot council to carry out the work before a new teaching block was built on the playing field.

The fort of Nidum was discovered in the 1950s, and according to the trust, it would have been occupied by a unit of auxiliaries, who were regarded as high quality troops but "less prestigious than the legions".

They protected the fort against the fierce local tribe, known as the Silures, who were native to much of south, mid and west Wales....

Read entire article at BBC