Hadrian's Wall

Definition

Hadrian's Wall is a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the early 2nd century AD, marking the northern limit of the Roman Empire in Britain. It served both as a physical barrier against invasions from tribes in Scotland and as a means of controlling trade and movement between Roman Britain and the unconquered territories to the north.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hadrian's Wall was constructed under Emperor Hadrian around AD 122 and stretched approximately 73 miles across the north of England.
2. The wall was made of stone and turf, featuring a series of forts, smaller milecastles for garrisoning troops, and watch towers at regular intervals.
3. It represented a significant engineering achievement of its time, showcasing Roman military might and their advanced construction techniques.
4. Hadrian's Wall was more than just a military defense; it also facilitated customs controls and regulated trade between the Romans and local tribes.
5. Today, Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains an important archaeological landmark that attracts visitors interested in Roman history.

Review Questions

• How did Hadrian's Wall serve both military and economic purposes for the Roman Empire?
  • Hadrian's Wall functioned primarily as a military defense structure to protect Roman Britain from northern tribes, creating a physical barrier against invasions. However, it also had economic implications, as it controlled trade routes and regulated movement between the Roman territories and non-Roman lands. By collecting taxes on goods passing through the wall, the Romans could manage their economy while maintaining security.
• Discuss the significance of Hadrian's Wall in relation to the concept of borders in ancient civilizations.
  • Hadrian's Wall exemplifies how ancient civilizations like Rome utilized physical barriers to define their territorial limits and manage interactions with neighboring cultures. The wall not only marked the edge of the Roman Empire but also symbolized Rome's power and its desire to exert control over its frontier regions. It highlighted the importance of borders in maintaining order within the empire while defending against external threats.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of Hadrian's Wall on the societies living in its vicinity during and after its construction.
  • The construction of Hadrian's Wall significantly influenced local communities by altering trade patterns and interactions between Roman settlers and indigenous tribes. It created zones of contact where cultural exchanges occurred, leading to a blend of Roman and local traditions. After its abandonment, remnants of the wall became symbols of heritage for various groups, impacting how people viewed their identity in relation to both Roman history and their own cultural narratives.

Related terms

Roman Empire:

An ancient empire that was centered around the Mediterranean Sea, known for its vast territorial conquests, sophisticated infrastructure, and lasting cultural impacts on Europe and beyond.

Limes: The term used to describe the border defense systems of the Roman Empire, which included walls, forts, and watchtowers designed to protect against external threats.

Vindolanda: An ancient Roman fort located near Hadrian's Wall, known for its well-preserved artifacts and insight into daily life in Roman Britain.