The History of Life on Hadrian's Wall

The History of Life on Hadrian's Wall

Blog Article

Hadrian’s Wall, one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the United Kingdom, stands as a testament to the Roman Empire’s military ingenuity and the harsh conditions faced by soldiers stationed along its length. Stretching across northern England from the North Sea to the Irish Sea, the wall was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. The purpose was to secure the Roman Empire’s frontier in Britain from the various Celtic tribes living in what is now Scotland.

Construction and Design

The construction of Hadrian’s Wall began around AD 122 and took about six years to complete. Made primarily of stone in the east and turf in the west, the wall was up to 15 feet high in some sections and stretched approximately 73 miles (117 kilometers). The wall was not just a physical barrier but also included a series of forts, milecastles, and turrets, strategically placed to monitor and control movement across the frontier. Soldiers stationed in these forts would patrol the wall, keeping an eye out for hostile tribes and acting as a deterrent against invasions.

Life of the Roman Soldiers on the Wall

The soldiers stationed along Hadrian’s Wall lived in challenging and often isolated conditions. Most of the Roman soldiers were not from Britain, but from various parts of the Empire, including Spain, Germany, and the Middle East. They were part of the Roman auxilia, a non-citizen military force. Life for these soldiers was rigorous and demanding. They were tasked with maintaining the wall, patrolling the surrounding area, and ensuring that the local tribes did not pose a threat to the Empire.

The forts along the wall were bustling with activity, with soldiers living in barracks, working in the walls' construction, or performing other duties related to the Roman military presence. While some soldiers could leave the wall on leave, most were confined to their postings, with little opportunity for interaction with civilians in the surrounding areas. They faced harsh weather conditions, from cold winters to damp summers, and had limited comforts. However, the forts contained all the necessities: barracks, a bathhouse, a hospital (valetudinarium), and storage facilities. shutdown123