Caerdroia: Literal translation from the Welsh language means 'Castle of Turns'. It is also thought to be a reference to Troy - since Caerdroia is also the modern Welsh word for that famous ancient city. In medieval times Caerdroia was a turf labyrinth usually in the seven fold Cretan Labyrinth design. They were created by shepherds on hilltops and were apparently the setting for ritual dances the nature of which have been lost. However, at the centre of each Caerdroia was a small hillock - in Welsh, 'twmpath.' A gathering for folk dancing in Wales is still called a 'twmpath dawns.'
Peculiarly, there is another connection between Wales and Troy that has been disproven by historians but remains a resilient myth. Geoffrey of Monmouth, following the monk Nunnias, created a Christian genealogy which placed Brutus of Troy, grandson of Aeneas of Troy and liberator of enslaved Trojans, as founder of Britain.
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Last updated: 10-11-2005 05:14:48