4 – The Creation of Hadrian’s Wall (Began in 122)
Although the Romans failed to take Scotland, they were firmly established in England by the end of the first century AD. By this stage, there were approximately 8,000 miles of roads completed in Britain which made it easy to send troops and goods across the country. When Emperor Trajan assumed control of the Empire, he ordered a total withdrawal from Scotland and the development of a frontier between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Carlisle.
Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of the famous wall which bears his name in 122. It is likely that the idea for Hadrian’s Wall was first mooted in 118 or 119. The reasons behind the creation of the barrier vary. Some say it was a symbol of Roman power while other historians suggest it was indicative of Hadrian’s policy of defense ahead of expansion. It was a wise strategy at that point because under Trajan; the Empire had grown so large that it was becoming difficult to control.
Whatever the reasons, construction began in 122, and Hadrian’s Wall was finished in 128. Upon completion, the barrier was 10 feet wide and 15 feet high with parapets of up to 20 feet. The wall was 80 ‘Roman Miles’ long which equates to 73 miles. There were also 80 ‘mile castles’ to add further reinforcement to the already impressive structure. It is worth noting that most of the early forts on the wall face south into Brigantine territory; an indication of how dangerous the recently subverted tribes still were.
It may surprise you to learn that despite its place in history, Hadrian’s Wall as effectively abandoned around a decade after its completion. While additional fortifications were added in the 130s, the wall was relegated to a ‘support’ defensive role once Emperor Hadrian died in 138. Marcus Antonius used Hadrian’s Wall as his main defensive unit in 164, but Septimius Severus preferred the Antonine Wall although the Romans returned to Hadrian’s creation after failing to conquer Caledonia.