United Kingdom

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Roman gold mines in Carmarthenshire, Wales (1st–4th century AD)

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Dolaucothi Gold Mines (pronounced [ˌdɔlaiˈkɔθɪ]; Welsh: Mwynfeydd Aur Dolaucothi) (grid reference SN662403), also known as the Ogofau Gold Mine, are ancient Roman surface and underground mines located in the valley of the River Cothi, near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The gold mines are located within the Dolaucothi Estate, which is owned by the National Trust. They are the only mines for Welsh gold outside those of the Dolgellau gold-belt, and are a Scheduled Ancient Monument. They are also the only known Roman gold mines in Britain, although it does not exclude the likelihood that they exploited other known sources in Devon in South West England, north Wales, Scotland and elsewhere. The site is important for showing advanced Roman technology.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Melin-y-Milwyr pottery deposition

late 1st century–end of 4th century

Frontinus sent to Britain

AD 74

Fort occupation at Luentinum

c. AD 78–c. AD 125

Ptolemy's map reference

c. AD 150

Mining activity continues

late 3rd century

Gold hoard discovery

18th century

Gold ore sample found

1844

Wheel fragment recovered

1930s

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Fortresses
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Military Installations

Barracks
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Miscellaneous Features

Underground TunnelsBuried Treasure
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Water Management Features

AqueductsReservoirs
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Industrial and Craft Structures

Mines
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

VillagesTowns
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Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

52.04° N, -3.95° E