Hadrians Wall Hadrians Wall was built in the

Hadrian’s Wall

• Hadrian's Wall was built in the years AD 122 -30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian. • It was 80 Roman miles long (73 Imperial miles) and ran from Wallsendon-Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. • For much of the Roman occupation of Britain, Hadrian’s Wall marked the northern limes of the Empire. • However, there were also a number of outpost forts to the north – e. g. Birrens, Netherby and Bewcastle.

The Wall was well defended: • Bank and ditch to the north • Excavations have revealed pits with sharpened stakes between the ditch and the Wall • 4 m/13 ft high • Vallum (ditch) to south to create a “no-entry zone”.

The Wall also makes use of natural defences such as ridges and crags, particularly Whin Sill, which enable a good view to the north. It remains a potent symbol of Roman rule.

• Forts (16 in total), milecastles and turrets were built along the length of the Wall. • The Wall could only be crossed at gateways in the forts and milecastles. • Forts could house up to 800 auxiliary soldiers. • Civilian settlements called vici grew up around many of the forts. These provided services to the troops.

Housesteads fort

Milecastles were built every Roman mile (80 in total). There were two turrets between each milecastle.

PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS

MILITARY • Prevent invasions from north • Prevent raiding • Separate the troublesome Brigantes from allies in southern Scotland • David Breeze: “not a fighting platform”

POLITICAL • “to separate the Romans and barbarians” (Hadrian’s biographer) • To consolidate the Empire • Roman propaganda – overawe the native tribes • Keep soldiers busy and prevent mutiny

SYMBOLIC/PRESTIGE PURPOSES • Hadrian’s personal prestige • Monument to the Emperor • “symbolic edge to the Empire” (Lloyd Laing) • Symbol of the superiority of Rome

BUREAUCRATIC FUNCTIONS • Control movement of people – channelled through gates • Policing the frontier – preserving the pax Romana • Customs barrier • Collection of taxes