Maen Madoc
Encyclopedia
The Maen Madoc or Maen Madog stone is a menhir
which lies adjacent to the Roman road
Sarn Helen
that runs across the Brecon Beacons
in what was a key area of Roman Wales, about 2km north of Ystradfellte
. It stands approximately 10 feet high.
It is thought to mark a Christian
burial – the stone is inscribed on one side, the Latin
inscription reading DERVAC(IVS) FILIVS (H)IC IACIT – "Of Dervacus, Son of Justus. He lies here".
Though the stone is named after a Madoc, nothing is known of the Madoc referred to. The base of stone is surrounded by deeply embedded stones and this may mark the grave itself.
Maen Madoc can be found at on the Brecon Beacons West and Central map.
Menhir
A menhir is a large upright standing stone. Menhirs may be found singly as monoliths, or as part of a group of similar stones. Their size can vary considerably; but their shape is generally uneven and squared, often tapering towards the top...
which lies adjacent to the Roman road
Roman roads in Britain
Roman roads, together with Roman aqueducts and the vast standing Roman army , constituted the three most impressive features of the Roman Empire. In Britain, as in other provinces, the Romans constructed a comprehensive network of paved trunk roads Roman roads, together with Roman aqueducts and the...
Sarn Helen
Sarn Helen
right|thumb|250px|A section of Sarn Helen near Betws-y-coed.Sarn Helen was a Roman road in Wales, running from Aberconwy in the north to Carmarthen in the south.It was some 160 miles in length...
that runs across the Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in South Wales. In a narrow sense, the name refers to the range of popular peaks south of Brecon, including South Wales' highest mountain, Pen y Fan, and which together form the central section of the Brecon Beacons National Park...
in what was a key area of Roman Wales, about 2km north of Ystradfellte
Ystradfellte
Ystradfellte is a small village in Powys, Wales, in the Fforest Fawr area of the Brecon Beacons National Park.Because of the geography and topography of the area the village of Ystradfellte is not visible from the nearest main road, the A4059 Hirwaun to A470 stretch.Ystradfellte comes under...
. It stands approximately 10 feet high.
It is thought to mark a Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
burial – the stone is inscribed on one side, the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
inscription reading DERVAC(IVS) FILIVS (H)IC IACIT – "Of Dervacus, Son of Justus. He lies here".
Though the stone is named after a Madoc, nothing is known of the Madoc referred to. The base of stone is surrounded by deeply embedded stones and this may mark the grave itself.
Maen Madoc can be found at on the Brecon Beacons West and Central map.