The Port Talbot Historical Society (2) has published an extensive timeline, including the following excerpts:
10,000 BC the lower Afan Valley was inhabited by hunters in search of animal herds.
4,000 BC arrival of neolithic farmers.
2,000 BC bronze age.
600 BC iron age, arrival of Celts
1090 AD The Normans arrive in South Wales. Caradoc is allowed to retain some land, and becomes the first Lord of Afan.
During the medieval period, Caradoc built a wooden motte and bailey castle on the banks of the River Afan near what is now Aberafan