Hadrian's Wall

Section of Hadrian's Wall 1

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Hadrian's Wall map

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Ordnance Survey Map of Hadrian's Wall, Published 1964

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Hadrian's wall at Greenhead Lough

Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification in the Roman Empire, considered one of the most famous structures of Ancient Rome. Begun in AD 122 during the reign of the emperor Hadrian, it was the first of two fortifications built across Great Britain, the other being the Antonine Wall in what is now Scotland. Spanning approximately 73 miles (117 kilometers) from the banks of the River Tyne near the North Sea to the Solway Firth on the Irish Sea, the wall was the northern limit of the Roman Empire in Britain.

Construction and Purpose

Hadrian's Wall was built to keep Roman Britain safe from hostile actions by the Picts and other groups in Scotland. It was also a symbol of Roman power and a means to control movement and trade. The construction involved vast resources, including thousands of soldiers from the Roman legions and auxiliary units. The wall was primarily made of stone in the east and turf in the west, with forts, milecastles, and turrets spaced at regular intervals.

Structure and Features

The wall itself varied in height and width, depending on the construction materials available locally. Stone sections could be up to 3 meters (10 feet) wide and 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) high, while turf sections were broader but not as tall. Every Roman mile along the wall, there was a milecastle that housed garrison troops, with two turrets in between each milecastle for observation and signaling. Additionally, larger forts containing garrisons were built at strategic intervals, with notable examples including Vindolanda and Housesteads.

Legacy

After the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the early 5th century, Hadrian's Wall fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned. Over the centuries, much of the stone was repurposed for other buildings. Despite this, significant portions of the wall remain visible today, providing insight into Roman military architecture and the empire's reach. Hadrian's Wall has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in its history and the stunning landscapes of northern England.

Preservation and Research

Efforts to preserve Hadrian's Wall have been ongoing, with various organizations involved in its maintenance and archaeological research. Excavations continue to reveal more about the lives of the soldiers who manned the wall and the civilians who lived in its shadow. The Hadrian's Wall Path, a long-distance footpath that follows the line of the wall from coast to coast, offers an immersive way for visitors to explore this ancient monument.

In Popular Culture

Hadrian's Wall has captured the imagination of writers, filmmakers, and artists, featuring in various works of fiction and documentaries. It symbolizes the Roman Empire's vast reach and the cultural exchanges that occurred at the empire's edges.

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