Hadrian's Wall

Definition

Hadrian's Wall is a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the early 2nd century AD, stretching across Northern England from Wallsend on the River Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway on the Solway Firth. It served as a physical barrier marking the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain and facilitated the control of trade and movement, while also demonstrating the engineering prowess and military strategies of the Romans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hadrian's Wall was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian around AD 122 and took approximately six years to complete.
2. The wall was about 73 miles long and featured a series of forts, smaller milecastles for garrisoning troops, and watch towers at regular intervals.
3. It was made from stone and turf, with different sections showcasing varying construction techniques based on local resources.
4. The wall played a crucial role in controlling trade and immigration between the Roman provinces and the tribes in what is now Scotland.
5. Hadrian's Wall was eventually abandoned in the early 5th century as Roman authority in Britain waned and barbarian invasions increased.

Review Questions

• How did Hadrian's Wall reflect the military strategies employed by the Romans in controlling their territories?
  • Hadrian's Wall exemplified Roman military strategy by acting as both a defensive structure and a means of controlling movement. It allowed for monitoring and taxing goods and people entering and leaving Roman Britain, showcasing how physical barriers could manage trade routes effectively. Additionally, the presence of forts along the wall facilitated quick military response to any threats from tribes north of the wall.
• Discuss the engineering techniques used in the construction of Hadrian's Wall and how they contributed to its effectiveness.
  • The construction of Hadrian's Wall involved advanced engineering techniques for its time, including precise planning and use of local materials. The wall's use of both stone and turf allowed for flexibility in construction depending on available resources. Features like milecastles and watchtowers provided strategic points for troop deployment and surveillance, enhancing its effectiveness as a military fortification.
• Evaluate the impact of Hadrian's Wall on the cultural exchange between Roman Britain and indigenous tribes, considering both positive and negative outcomes.
  • Hadrian's Wall significantly impacted cultural exchange by acting as both a barrier and a point of contact. On one hand, it facilitated trade between Romans and local tribes, leading to cultural interactions through commerce and shared practices. On the other hand, it also represented imperial power, often leading to resistance from indigenous tribes who felt threatened by Roman encroachment. The dual nature of this impact illustrates how borders can create both opportunities for exchange and tensions between different cultures.

Related terms

Limes: A term used to describe the borders or frontiers of the Roman Empire, often consisting of walls, forts, and military roads to protect against invasions.

Vallum: A large earthwork that runs parallel to Hadrian's Wall, consisting of a ditch and a bank, further enhancing the defensive capabilities of the structure.

Roman Forts: Military installations built throughout the Roman Empire that housed soldiers, provided administrative functions, and acted as bases for military operations.