Hadrian’s Wall is a Roman fortification in northern England, built between 122 and 130 AD. It was a symbol of Roman power, a defense against the Picts, and a trading center. The wall was 73.5 miles long and included milestone castles and observation turrets. It was occupied by Roman troops until the early 5th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hadrian’s Wall is an ancient Roman fortification located in the north of England. When built, it was 73.5 miles (117 km) long, spanning the entire width of the island nation. The wall was built between 122 and 130 AD and served many functions for the Romans: it was a visible symbol of their might, the northern border of the Empire, a defense against the Picts of ancient Scotland and a trading centre. Today much of the wall survives, although many parts have eroded away and its stones taken down for other building projects over the centuries.
Construction of Hadrian’s Wall began after the Emperor Hadrian visited Britain in 122. Civil troubles elsewhere in the Empire, particularly in the Middle East, inspired the Emperor’s decision for a massive fortification in Britain. The width and height of the wall varied along its length, but generally ranged from 10 to 20 feet (about 3 to 6 meters) in most places. It was built of stone and turf.
The wall incorporated milestone castles, or small forts, at every Roman mile, totaling 80 along its entire length. Intermediate observation turrets were also included. Later, a number of larger forts, 14 to 17 depending on the source, were built near the wall for additional protection. On the southern side, a vallum was added, a large ditch with high earthen banks on either side.
Hadrian’s Wall was occupied by Roman auxiliary troops throughout the remainder of the Roman presence in Britain, and many are assumed to have intermarried with the native population. The emperor after Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, turned his attentions to building a new wall, the Antonine Wall, in the interior of Scotland, and the southernmost one was not used much during his reign. It became important again under the reign of the new emperor, Marcus Aurelius, after Antoninus Pius’ attempts to expand northward were unsuccessful. Roman forces withdrew from Britain in the early 5th century, although parts of the wall remained occupied for some decades. Today, Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England.
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