When was Hadrian's Wall built?
Construction of Hadrian's Wall began in AD 122 during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Most of the wall was completed within six years, built by three Roman legions totalling around 15,000 soldiers.
Questions about Hadrian's Wall
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How long is Hadrian's Wall?
Hadrian's Wall stretches 80 Roman miles, equivalent to 73 modern miles or 117 kilometres. It runs from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west, crossing the entire width of northern England.
What was the purpose of Hadrian's Wall?
Hadrian's Wall served multiple purposes: slowing raiders seeking slaves, animals, or treasure; channeling civilian movement through gates for monitoring and taxation; and projecting Roman imperial power. Its gates may also have functioned as customs posts.
How many soldiers were garrisoned on Hadrian's Wall?
When fully manned, close to 10,000 soldiers were stationed along Hadrian's Wall. They were auxiliary infantry and cavalry from across the Roman provinces, not the legions that built the wall. Each fort housed around 600 men, while milecastles were run by between 12 and 20 men.
Is Hadrian's Wall a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Hadrian's Wall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In 2005 it became part of the transnational Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site, which also includes Roman frontier sites in Germany.
Who inspired the preservation of Hadrian's Wall?
John Clayton, a lawyer who became town clerk of Newcastle in the 1830s, is credited with preserving much of what survives. He began buying farmland along the wall in 1834, starting near Steel Rigg, and eventually controlled land spanning the sites of Chesters, Carrawburgh, Housesteads, and Vindolanda.