Continuity and Collapse

Abstract

Abstract This chapter analyses archaeological evidence for the late Roman period in Wales and the nature of the fifth-century transition. It discusses the few events noted in the written sources and problems associated with the virtual demise of archaeological dating evidence when coin imports cease and the pottery industry breaks down. It then considers archaeological evidence for people’s varying experiences of Romanization during the fourth century in the regions already identified. The south-east is marked by a much greater degree of Romanization evident in continuing activity within the legionary fortress at Caerleon and the town of Caerwent, but evidence for occupation of villas and native farmsteads beyond the fourth century remains sparse. This contrasts with other regions, particularly the north-west, which remained under military control with less access to the Roman market economy and where late prehistoric settlement forms persisted throughout the Roman period and beyond. It is argued that we are seeing the fragmentation of Roman authority, military and civil, but also the re-emergence of native power structures and the settling of Irish immigrants, some of whom were originally attached to the Roman army. Secondly, the Roman market economy declined rapidly during the later fourth century, leading to the end of a Romanized lifestyle. Communities continued to scavenge and recycle Roman artefacts, but a limited range of identifiable early medieval artefacts takes some decades to emerge. Thirdly, some farmsteads and the rural economy associated with them persisted at a reduced level throughout the fifth century.