Why was Hadrian's Wall constructed?

University Degree Historical and Philosophical studies

Why was Hadrian’s Wall constructed?

Stuart Edwards 2003

Hadrian’s Wall was built between Carlisle in the west and Newcastle in the East. The wall is 55 miles in length. It was constructed in 120 A.D under the order of the visiting Roman emperor Hadrian. The wall was built 80 years after the Roman conquest of Britain. The Roman Empire now at its prime had expanded form a small city state into a large empire spanning most of the ancient world, had just come out of a period of expansion, Hadrian decided that this had to change and ordered defensive frontiers to be built all along the empire’s borders. There was an original front line further into Scotland, Antoine’s wall, but it was found too rural and distant to supply or support so it was abandoned and the Romans fell back to The Stanegate road. The Stanegate road was built by Agricola and served as a major supply routes for the legionnaires defending the northern frontier Rome normally used natural defences to protect its borders these defensive lines included deserts and rivers but in northern Britain it was built out of stone, which was a common resource in that area. When the wall was being built the resources and the manpower came form the legions guarding the frontier. Each centurion was given a part of the wall to build; along this stretch of wall they would place a hallmark stone so their commander would know who built that particular part of the wall. Different groups were awarded on the speed, quality and quantity of their work but then others were punished. The wall was built along natural defences, including cliffs and ridges. The walls northern side always was on top of a hill giving the Romans the advantage of height and the advantage of been able to see the enemy from a distance. The wall fallowed a strict construction plan, at first the wall was to be only three metres wide but as it became apparent that the Romans had underestimated the resistance they would receive the wall was extended to 5 metres wide. There were mile forts all along the wall and guard towers. These fortifications were built to a very strict design. The wall was able to have troops walk along for greater and safer movement of the Roman troops.

It is obvious that one of the main reasons for the construct of the wall was the fact that the empire was in a state of consolidation under Hadrian with borders being constructed, this must be noted as one of the major reasons why the wall was constructed. The wall also did set the boundaries for the Roman province. If the Roman policy of progressing expansion had continued the Romans might have of carried on with the subjection of Britain into Scotland which was occupied by the Caledonian tribes, resulting no need for the wall.

From studies of ...

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From studies of the wall its most notable feature is its height and size the wall. The wall was1.3 to 3 metres thick and between 4.5 and 6.2 metres in height. The width of the wall allowed the movement of centurions along its total length. It is understandable that this wall was built too impress and create a dominating atmosphere over the surrounding region. The wall was a statement of Roman muscle, an everlasting mark of Roman domination. The walls construction created a physical as well as a psychological feature that divided the Civilised (Roman) world from barbaric other peoples (Celts, Germans, etc). To a Celtic viewer situated on the northern side of the wall it must have been an overwhelming sight, a huge stone barrier that prevented entrance to another world.

Control of trade and local movement was another advantage of a walls construction in this area. The wall had gatehouses along its length that did allow for friendly access. This gave the Romans an unusual control on trade. Taxes and tolls could be collected easily and troop movement between the north and south could be continually monitored.

The wall could be interpreted as a long fortress. The wall was overall a strategic barrier for the roman in the south and north. If there was a rebellion within the southern territories of the wall the Romans could retreat to the safety of the wall and its fortresses. The wall has defensives along its southern side that prove it could have been used for this reason.

The wall surprisingly was built straight though the centre of the tribal territory of the Brigantes, which were originally Roman allies, The wall also severed to divide the unruly Southern Scottish Selgovae from the majority of the equally unruly Brigantes, as they couldn’t rely on any peaceful hinterland. A modern example of this could be the Berlin wall.

According to archaeology there was not many confrontations between the Romans and the Britain’s at Hadrian’s was, there is not evidence for a major one. It serves us to come to the conclusion that because of its size and the local tribes never challenged the wall.

There is evidence to show that at major points of military activity on the wall same towns appeared. Shantytowns developed as soldiers brought their families, slaves and attendants to live with them in northern Britain, also this attracted traders and skilled workmen. Merchant who worked along the wall would supply Soldiers and there families with goods and services. According to archaeological evidence found at the wall, there has been found remains of complete roman shantytowns, filled with cafes, restaurants, baths and other services.

It is believed that the Romans bought the first Germanic legions to the shores of Britain as well as many other minority groups. The descendents of this German legion who remained in Britain after the Romans left are thought to be the creators of the first English Kingdom, Northumbria.

In conclusion Hadrian’s Wall was constructed to Divide and amaze the local population of Britain, this towering divider split Britain into civilised and non-civilised. The wall was only constructed with the orders of Hadrian who with out the wall may of never been built.