Maen Madoc is an impressive menhir, standing about three metres
tall. It stands alongside Sarn Helen, the Roman road that runs
across the Brecon Beacons.
It is believed to be an ancient standing stone that was later
used by the Romans. A Latin inscription along its edge reads
"Dervaci filius Ivsti, ic iacti", which translates as "Dervacus,
son of Justus, here he lies". The base of stone is surrounded by
deeply embedded stones, which could once have marked the grave.
However, an excavation of Maen Madoc over fifty years ago revealed
no remains.
Though the stone is named after a Madoc, nothing is known of the
Madoc to which this refers. The identity of the Dervacus mentioned
in the inscription is also a mystery.
Originally, Maen Madoc stood directly beside Sarn Helen.
However, it was re-erected several metres east of its original
position, probably in the period 1820-1850.
You will find a number printed on the inside front cover of the
log book. You will need to make a note of this number in order to
find the bonus cache.