Hadrians Wall Facts
In 122 AD Emperor Hadrian, who ruled ancient Rome from 117 AD - 138 AD, started construction of a massive wall in northern England near the border of Scotland. Upon completion this amazing example of ancient Roman Architecture stretched 73 miles long (117.5 kilometers). Today many parts of Hadrian's Wall are still standing for kids and adults alike to marvel at and where tourist can walk along its length on the Hadrian's Wall Path. Below you will find a description of this architectural marvel along with a list of interesting facts including where Hadrians Wall is, why it was built, and what materials were used in its construction.Interesting Hadrians Wall Facts
- Most of the wall was constructed between about 122 AD and 128 AD.
- Although no historical record exist of why Hadrian had this massive wall built it was almost certainly built to defend Rome's northern border and as a symbol of Roman power.
- Hadrian strongly believed in securing the defenses of the Roman Empire before looking toward expansion of the empire. The wall also helped Rome control smuggling into the empire and created an opportunity to collect taxes on those transporting goods.
- Hadrian's Wall is also referred to as the Roman Wall, Picts Wall, and Vallum Hadriani.
- Tourist can walk along Hadrian's Wall Path; one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern England. Walking the whole length takes several days.
- When Hadrian died in 138 AD his successor Antoninus Pius basically abandoned the wall and began construction on a new wall approximately 99 miles (160 kilometers) to the north of Hadrian's Wall called the Antonine Wall.
- This great display of Roman architecture fell into ruin in the years after the Roman army withdrew from England in approximately 410 AD.
- As with many of ancient Rome's architectural structures large portions of Hadrians Wall have been removed over the centuries for use in nearby building projects.
- In 1987 this famous Wall was declared a World Heritage Site.
Hadrians Wall Description
- Along its width the walls height, width, and construction materials varied. Some parts of the wall were simply mounds of earth where other parts were made of stone. In some areas the wall stood 20 feet (6 m) high as opposed to only 10 feet (3 m) in other areas. The width also varied greatly some areas as wide as 20 feet (6 m) and others 10 feet (3 m).
- In many places the Romans took advantage of natural ridges in the landscape and built the wall along the top of them.
- Sixteen forts were constructed at various locations along the wall. Each fort could house hundreds of soldiers. Within the forts were temples, barracks, latrines, and hospitals. The best preserved of these forts is Housesteads (also called Vercovicium).
ANCIENT ROME HISTORY FACTS