The frontiers of the Roman Empire together form the largest monument of one of the world’s greatest ancient states. They stretch for some 7,500 km through 20 countries which encircle the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of these frontiers have been studied by visitors and later by archaeologists for s...

The frontiers of the Roman Empire together form the largest monument of one of the world’s greatest ancient states. They stretch for some 7,500 km through 20 countries which encircle the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of these frontiers have been studied by visitors and later by archaeologists for several centuries. Many of the inscriptions and sculptures, weapons, pottery and artefacts created and used by the soldiers and civilians who lived on the frontier can be seen in museums. Equally evocative of the lost might of Rome are the physical remains of the frontiers themselves. The aim of this series of books is not only to inform the interested visitor about the history of the frontiers but to act as a guidebook as well.

Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of the great Wall which still bears his name ‘to separate the barbarians from the Romans’ (Historia Augusta, Life of Hadrian, 11). The complex of military installations, 117 km long, but with an extension without the linear barrier for about 40 km down the west coast, contained 74 km of stone wall, 43 km of turf rampart, 200 towers, 100 fortlets, 20 forts, took years to construct and was probably still being modified when Hadrian died in July 138. This highly illustrated book offers an accessible summary of Hadrian’s Wall, and an overview of the wider context of the Roman frontiers.

Contents

FRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Foreword by Francesco Bandarin

Preface by Jane, Lady Gibson

Common cultural heritage of the Roman Empire

The ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire’ World Heritage Site

History and extent of frontiers

The army and frontiers

Research on Roman frontiers

Protection and presentation of frontiers

Future perspectives

HADRIAN’S WALL

The invasion and conquest of Britain

The first plan for Hadrian’s Wall

The second scheme

The purpose of Hadrian’s Wall

The military landscape

The later history of Hadrian’s Wall

Life on Hadrian’s Wall

Civilians on Hadrian’s Wall

Religion on Hadrian’s Wall

Souvenirs of Hadrian’s Wall

The afterlife of Hadrian’s Wall

The importance of Hadrian’s Wall

A World Heritage Site

Research on Hadrian’s Wall

The Pilgrimage of Hadrian’s Wall

Museums on Hadrian’s Wall

Where to see Hadrian’s Wall