Hadrian's Wall

Definition

Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans under Emperor Hadrian around AD 122 in what is now Northern England. It marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire and served to protect Roman territories from tribes to the north while also controlling trade and immigration across the border.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hadrian's Wall was about 73 miles long, stretching from Wallsend on the River Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway on the Solway Firth.
2. The wall included a series of forts, smaller milecastles for garrisoning troops, and watch towers, creating a well-defended frontier.
3. Construction of Hadrian's Wall involved thousands of soldiers and laborers, utilizing local stone as well as materials brought from other parts of the empire.
4. The wall represented a shift in Roman policy from expansion to defense, as it established a clear boundary for Roman rule in Britain.
5. Hadrian's Wall is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and archaeological value.

Review Questions

• How did Hadrian's Wall reflect Roman military strategy and policies in Britain during its construction?
  • Hadrian's Wall reflected a strategic shift in Roman military policy towards defense rather than expansion. Built under Emperor Hadrian, it established a solid boundary to protect Roman territories from northern tribes. The wall not only fortified the region but also allowed for better control over trade and movement across the border, indicating a more defensive posture in managing the empire's frontiers.
• Discuss the architectural features of Hadrian's Wall and their significance in terms of Roman engineering.
  • Hadrian's Wall showcased advanced Roman engineering techniques through its extensive use of stone construction and incorporation of various military structures. Its design included forts, milecastles, and watch towers that enabled effective troop deployment and surveillance. The engineering prowess demonstrated in the wall's construction was crucial for maintaining Roman control in Britain and exemplified the empire's ability to create enduring infrastructure for defense.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Hadrian's Wall on both Roman Britain and subsequent historical narratives regarding borders and identities.
  • Hadrian's Wall had significant long-term impacts on both Roman Britain and later historical understandings of borders. It established a clear demarcation between Roman civilization and the tribes beyond, shaping cultural identities on either side. In subsequent centuries, the wall became a symbol of division and control, influencing later political boundaries in Britain. Its legacy continues today as a monument that prompts discussions about identity, national boundaries, and historical memory in relation to ancient empires.

Related terms

Roman Britain: The period during which the Romans ruled over the island of Britain, from AD 43 to AD 410, encompassing significant military and cultural developments.

Limes: The term used to describe the frontiers of the Roman Empire, which included walls, forts, and natural barriers designed to defend against invasions.

Fortifications: Military structures designed to protect territories and troops, which include walls, towers, and ditches built for defensive purposes.