If you’ve ever read or heard about the Roman Empire at school, you’re probably familiar with Hadrian’s Wall. But what is it really? And why is it so important? Below we will take a closer look at the history and significance of this famous Roman landmark.
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What and Where Is Hadrian’s Wall?
Hadrian’s Wall is located in England, and is a defensive fortification that was built by the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Built between the years 122 and 128 AD, it stretched along the shores of Great Britain, from the River Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west.
Hadrian’s Wall: History of Why It Was Built
There are two main theories as to why Hadrian’s Wall was built. The first one is that it was meant to defend against barbarian invasions from the north. The other one is that it was built to strengthen Rome’s hold on Britain and prevent rebellion by native Britons.
There is some evidence to support both theories. For example, after the wall was completed, there were no major barbarian invasions from the north. At the same time, there were several rebellions by native Britons during this time period.
How Long Is Hadrian’s Wall?
Hadrian’s Wall was 72 miles long. The wall was made of stone and was around 16 feet high and 10 feet wide. Along the wall’s length, there were 16 forts, each of which was placed about a day’s march apart. Between each fort were smaller fortresses called milecastles, which were used to house troops and function as lookouts.
Hadrian’s Wall Map
Above you can see a map of Hadrian’s Wall, with the many forts that were built from west to east in England. The gray line shows the wall, the gray circles show the forts, and the other lines and circles show various roads and forts that stretched through Roman Empire England.
What Is the Significance of Hadrian’s Wall Today?
Hadrian’s Wall is significant because it is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Britain. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, with over 2 million visitors each year. In addition, Hadrian’s Wall was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
Hadrian’s Wall is a fascinating piece of history that has stood the test of time. If you ever have the chance to visit the UK, be sure to add it to your list of places to see!