Hadrian's Wall

Definition

Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD across the north of England, marking the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain. The wall was constructed under Emperor Hadrian as a means to control invasions from the tribes in what is now Scotland and to regulate trade and immigration along the frontier. This monumental structure reflects the Roman approach to defense and territorial control while also symbolizing the power and reach of Rome as it expanded its influence over the Mediterranean region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hadrian's Wall was built around AD 122 and stretched approximately 73 miles from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west.
2. The construction involved a series of forts, smaller milecastles for garrisoning troops, and watch towers at regular intervals along its length.
3. The wall not only served as a military defense but also facilitated customs control and taxation on goods entering Roman Britain.
4. It demonstrated Roman engineering skills, as it included sophisticated features such as ditches, earthworks, and stone construction techniques.
5. Hadrian's Wall is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, highlighting its historical significance and contribution to understanding Roman expansion.

Review Questions

• How did Hadrian's Wall reflect the military strategies employed by the Romans in managing their empire?
  • Hadrian's Wall exemplified the Roman strategy of fortification to manage both defense and control over territories. By creating a physical barrier against potential invasions from northern tribes, it allowed Rome to maintain its influence over Britain while regulating movement across its borders. The wall's construction also included military outposts which facilitated quick troop deployments, reflecting the importance of readiness in Roman military tactics.
• Discuss the economic implications of Hadrian's Wall on trade between Roman Britain and the tribes to the north.
  • Hadrian's Wall had significant economic implications for trade in the region. By controlling access across this barrier, the Romans could levy taxes on goods entering or leaving their territory. This not only ensured a steady revenue stream for the empire but also regulated interactions with local tribes, which could help stabilize trade routes. The presence of soldiers at checkpoints along the wall meant that trade was monitored and could be protected from banditry or conflict with hostile tribes.
• Evaluate the broader impact of Hadrian's Wall on the cultural exchange between Romans and native tribes during its existence.
  • Hadrian's Wall served as a cultural boundary that facilitated interaction between Romans and local tribes, leading to a complex exchange of ideas, customs, and technologies. While it primarily functioned as a defensive structure, it also became a point of contact where trade and cultural exchange occurred. The presence of Roman soldiers often led to intermarriage, adoption of Roman practices by local tribes, and influence on local governance structures. Over time, this interaction contributed to a unique blend of cultures in northern Britain, influencing art, language, and social structures even after Rome's withdrawal from Britain.

Related terms

Roman Frontier: The border zones of the Roman Empire, which were often fortified to protect against invasions and to control trade routes.

Limes: The term used for the system of Roman frontiers, including walls and fortified roads, that marked the boundaries of Roman territories.

Legion: A unit of the Roman army, typically made up of about 5,000 soldiers, responsible for both military operations and building infrastructure like roads and fortifications.