In the third of a series of short articles and accompanying mobile documentaries, I hope to introduce you all to some of the historical facts and historical fictions, interwoven into the hidden gem that is the Dolaucothi Gold Mines.
Since 1941 the Dolaucothi Gold Mines and the Estate in which they stand, have been into the care of the National Trust. These nestled hidden in the beautiful and evocative landscape of South West Wales near the tiny village of Pumpsaint (Five Saints).
Famously known as Britain’s only Roman gold mine, archaeological evidence has shown that the Romans extensively worked the Dolaucothi site and they were able to extract between 50 to 200 tonnes of gold during their time there.
One of the most fascinating features of the ancient mine workings is the passage know as Upper Roman Adit. This passageway is remarkable as it is self draining and has ‘dressed’ walls that have been craved out of solid rock using not metal tools.
The question and mystery arises as to why so much effort would have been made if those who preparing this tunnel were only interested in extracting gold for the site?
Although the passageway has been named Upper Roman Adit, there is no archaeological to support that assumption that it was excavated by the Romans.
Whilst other evidence, found during archaeological digs carried out in other areas of the Dolaucothi site during the 1970s, has shown it was occupied and worked as far back as 5000 years ago.
Could Upper Roman Adit have in fact been an important ritual location for the ancient Druidic Celtic people who lived and prospered in this region of Wales prior to the arrive of the Romans in 70AD?
Another of Dolaucothi’s wonderful and magical mysteries.
Enjoy and find out more by watch this short film about Upper Roman Adit with Dolaucothi’s expert and the Head of the Excavations between 1989 and 1999; Professor Barry Burnham.
Stay tuned for more history and mystery from the fascinating and magical Dolaucothi Gold Mines.
Read the other parts of this series; Dolaucothi Gold Mines: Britain's Only Known Roman Gold Mine, here:
Dolaucothi Gold Mines: An Edwardian Fool's Gold Adventure, here: https://www.publish0x.com/smiletobefree/dolaucolthi-gold-mines-an-edwardian-fool-s-gold-adventure-xyvwdeo
And stay tuned for more history and mystery from the fascinating and magical Dolaucothi Gold Mines.
Also enjoy the slapstick modern silent movie set in and around the Dolaucothi Gold Mines:
Fool's Gold: A Dolaucothi Love Story
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