Antonine Wall

Definition

The Antonine Wall was a Roman fortification built in the 2nd century AD across what is now central Scotland, marking the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain. Stretching approximately 63 kilometers (39 miles) from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde, this structure was constructed under the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius as a more ambitious alternative to Hadrian's Wall, showcasing Roman military engineering and their efforts to consolidate control over the province of Britannia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Antonine Wall was constructed around AD 142 and served as a defensive measure against tribes from what is now Scotland.
2. The wall included a series of forts and smaller fortifications, with key forts at Camelon and Rough Castle, which served as bases for Roman troops.
3. Unlike Hadrian's Wall, which was built primarily of stone, much of the Antonine Wall was made from turf and earth, making it less durable but quicker to construct.
4. The Antonine Wall was only maintained for about 20 years before the Romans retreated back to Hadrian's Wall around AD 162 due to increasing pressure from local tribes.
5. Today, sections of the Antonine Wall are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significance in understanding Roman military strategy and frontier policy.

Review Questions

• How does the construction of the Antonine Wall reflect Roman military strategies in Britain?
  • The construction of the Antonine Wall illustrates Roman military strategies focused on controlling territory and managing relations with local tribes. It served as a statement of power and a physical barrier to deter invasions from northern tribes. Additionally, by establishing a fortification further north than Hadrian's Wall, Romans aimed to extend their influence and secure valuable resources while showcasing their engineering capabilities.
• Compare and contrast the Antonine Wall with Hadrian's Wall in terms of construction materials, purpose, and longevity.
  • Both walls served as significant defensive structures marking the boundaries of Roman Britain. However, Hadrian's Wall was built primarily from stone and designed for long-term use, while the Antonine Wall predominantly utilized turf and earth, which made it quicker to build but less durable. In terms of purpose, while both were intended to defend against northern tribes, Hadrian's Wall remained active for nearly 300 years, whereas the Antonine Wall was only maintained for about 20 years before the Romans retreated south due to increased hostilities.
• Evaluate the impact of the Antonine Wall's brief existence on our understanding of Roman imperial policies in frontier regions.
  • The brief existence of the Antonine Wall provides critical insight into Roman imperial policies regarding frontier management. Its construction highlights a proactive approach to territorial expansion and control during Emperor Antoninus Pius' reign. However, its rapid abandonment underscores the challenges faced by Rome in sustaining its northern territories amidst rising local resistance. This dynamic illustrates a pattern in Roman imperial strategy where initial advances were often met with difficulties in long-term maintenance and governance over conquered lands.

Related terms

Hadrian's Wall:

A defensive fortification built by the Romans in the north of England under Emperor Hadrian, serving as a boundary and control point for Roman Britain.

Roman Britain: The period during which parts of the British Isles were under Roman rule, characterized by the construction of roads, forts, and settlements.

Limes: The term used to describe the borders or frontiers of the Roman Empire, marked by walls, fortifications, and military camps.