4. THE BASICS ABOUT “THE WALL”: Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive barrier to protect Northern Britain from pesty barbaric invaders. This was built by the larger than life Roman Empire. It is considered one of Rome’s greatest achievements.
6. HADRIAN WHO? Hadrian (or more simply known as Imperator Caesar DiviTraianifiliusTraianusHadrianusAugustus), was the fourteenth Roman emporer from 117 to 138 AD. Hadrian’s Wall was one of his many military tactics. He also created intense military training to keep good morale. However, Hadrian believed in ‘peace though strength’.
8. BUILDING THE WALL. Hadrian’s Wall was built by over 7,000 soldiers in 5 years. The wall was 15 feet high and 8 feet thick. The height would vary by location. It extended 73 miles from the east to the west. The first 45 miles of the Eastern wall was built by stone, and the rest of it was built by turf (which was later replaced by stone).
10. INVADERS? YOU’RE KIDDING. The wall was considered a physical and physiological challenge for invaders. Invaders had to overcome 3 meter deep ditches, the 15 foot wall itself, and then the vallum, which was a 40 meter wide ditch that was hidden behind the wall.
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12. THE FORTS. Every five miles, there were forts that held around 500-800 soldiers. People from all sorts of nationalities lived in these forts. There were a total of 17 forts built on Hadrian’s Wall. The most well preserved fort today is Housesteads.
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14. HOUSESTEADS. Housesteads was called Vercovicium, which meant "the place of able fighters” by the Romans. 1,000 infantrymen who came from southern Belgium lived there. Housesteads is known for having the most well preserved Roman loo in Britain. (Yes, it’s a big deal there.)
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16. IN THE END. After Hadrian suffered from heart failure in 138 AD, the wall’s importance declined. The new emperors focused on conquering northern Britain. Over time, the wall was forgotten and abandoned.
17. TODAY! Hadrian’s Wall is a popular tourist destination complete with a fun gift shop and museum. It is one of the last Roman creations still standing in Britain. In 2003, a National Trail footpath was opened for visitors. Due to how fragile the wall is, visitors are only allowed to walk it during the summer.
19. Bibliography! Thank you Mr. Hadrian for creating the wall, as well as the following websites: http://www.hadrians-wall-bed-and-breakfast.co.uk/ http://www.britannica.com http://www1.american.edu/TED/ice/hadrian.htm http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia_of_history/H/Hadrians_Wall.html http://www.catswhiskerstours.com/2009/07/birdoswald-roman-fort-hadrians-wall.html http://quezi.com/10710 http://www.leafpile.com/TravelLog/England/HadriansWall/Hadrianswall.htm