The Antonine Wall lay at the very extremity of the Roman world. For a generation, in the middle of the second century AD, it was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire. Furthermore, it was one of only three “artificial” frontiers along the European boundaries of the empire: the other two are Ha...

The Antonine Wall lay at the very extremity of the Roman world. For a generation, in the middle of the second century AD, it was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire. Furthermore, it was one of only three “artificial” frontiers along the European boundaries of the empire: the other two are Hadrian’s Wall and the German Limes.

Although the Antonine Wall fits into the general pattern of Roman frontiers, in many ways it was the most developed frontier in Europe, with certain distinct characteristics. Perhaps of greatest significance is the survival of the collection of Roman military sculpture, the Distance Slabs. These record the lengths constructed by each legion and their relationship to the labour camps allow further conclusions to be made about the work of constructing the Antonine Wall.

ContentsForeword by Francesco Bandarin, Director, World Heritage Centre, UNESCO

Preface by David J. BreezeFRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRECommon cultural heritage of the Roman empire

The Roman empire

Frontiers and trade

The World Heritage Site “Frontiers of the Roman Empire”

The definition of a World Heritage Site

The task ahead

History and extent of frontiers

Rome´s foreign policy

The location of frontiers

The army and frontiers

The purpose of frontiers

Soldiers and civilians

Military administration

Research on Roman frontiers

Inscriptions and documents

Survey and excavation

Aerial survey

Protection and presentation of frontiersTHE ANTONINE WALL

Historical Background

The Antonine Wall

Research on the Antonine Wall

Protection of the Antonine Wall

Where to see the Antonine Wall

Further Reading

Illustration Acknowledgements