of the 2nd-century curtain wall has recently been reconstructed to give an impression of how the defences may once have looked. Sub-Roman Wales The site is important in Welsh mythology; it is the legendary palace of Ardudwy (Mur-y-Castell) in the fourth branch of the Mabinogi. Dominating the site today is a Norman era motte. Little is known about the fortification, but it is possible that it was constructed by William Rufus to counter the Welsh insurgency of 1095. Archaeological research The fort's remains are extensive with many ancillary features being traceable as earthworks outside the fort: a parade ground, bath house, mansio (Inn), roads, burial mounds, a possible temple and a small military amphitheatre (Ludus) – a rare feature in Britain. It has been speculated that the arena was built to compensate the legionaries for such a bleak posting, but it is also possible that the fort's very isolation allowed its preservation; many auxiliary forts having had their own arenas erased by ploughing, etc. References External links Entry at Roman-Britain Entry in castlewales.com Entry in heneb.co.uk Maentwrog Roman fortifications in Gwynedd Archaeological sites in Snowdonia Roman legionary fortresses in Wales