The Antonine Wall

 My library pick this month was David Breeze's study of the Antonine Wall.

The Antonine Wall was built in what is now Scotland. It stretches across central Scotland from the Firth of Forth (near Edinburgh) in the east to the Firth of Clyde (near Glasgow) in the west, about 39 miles (63 km) long. It was constructed under the orders of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius around AD 142, marking the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain at its height. We don't know a lot about Antoninus due to limited contemporary sources. 

Like the better-known Hadrian's Wall to the south, it was built as a defensive fortification to mark the edge of Roman-controlled territory, control movement and trade, and repel attacks from northern tribes, especially the Caledonians. Unlike the stone-built Hadrian’s Wall to the south, the Antonine Wall was made primarily of turf laid on a stone base, with a deep ditch in front. Forts and watchtowers were spaced along its length. The wall was only occupied by the Romans for about 20 years. We assume that due to ongoing resistance and logistical challenges, the Romans retreated to Hadrian’s Wall around AD 162, although the full reasons are not documented.

Numerous forts, distance slabs (inscribed stone markers), and artefacts have been found along the wall since excavations started in 1895. However, there is nothing like the structure of Hadrian's Wall to see. There is a long-distance walk, and I have done bits of it, but again, it is not as well organised. 

There were three legions in Britain during this period: the 2nd, 20th, and 6th. These legions would have done the heavy work on the wall along with auxiliary units (including Gauls), which would have been the main garrison troops. 6-7000 troops would garrison the wall at any one time. The line was picked because it is the shortest distance across Scotland. Breeze argues that this doesn't necessarily mean it was the limit of Roman control; it was just a convenient line. There were undoubtedly outpost forts further north.

You must use a bit of imagination when visiting the forts at Bonnybridge, Twechar, Castlecary, Westerwood and Croy. Easrtworks are all that remain, although the remains of bath houses can be seen at Bearsden and Bar Hill. The book lists all the sites and is small enough to carry on the walk. 

One of my 28mm Imperial Roman legionary units.