GWENT'S historic past is under the spotlight as sites such as Llanmelin Wood Hillfort, Monmouthshire, make the list of a Government minister's top ten most significant Welsh archaeological treasures.

John Griffiths, Minister for Culture and Sport, explained how there is more to Wales's historic past than just its castles, by picking his top ten sites, featuring a number of Gwent's own historic attractions.

Mr Griffiths said: "Wales's historic environment is second to none, and Cadw, which takes its name from the Welsh phrase 'to keep', is charged with looking after it.

"As part of this charge, Cadw manages 129 properties which are in state care.

"As well as the grandeur and solidity of our world-famous castles, and the soaring grace of our religious houses, this portfolio includes a host of historic gems all across Wales and a time-span of around 6,000 years."

The list includes sites such as Llanmelin Wood Hillfort, Monmouthshire, that was first constructed around 2,400 years ago.

The stone-built banks and rock-cut ditches of Llanmelin rise out of limestone bedrock and overlook the coastal plain of southern Monmouthshire.

The site was chosen out of hundreds of hillforts in Wales, as it is unique in that its surrounding soil is alkaline, unlike much of Wales's acidic soil, which has preserved objects, bones and pottery, which archaeologists usually don't see.

Another chosen site was the Blaenavon Ironworks, in Torfaen.

The site made the list as it is an internationally important industrial landscape since its beginning in 1789, which saw world-leading technological development. For details of further events in Wales visit: http://www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk