Map Of Hadrian’s Wall With Important Towns & Forts

Map found on reddit

The map above shows the route of Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England including important towns, cites & forts along the route.

Here’s a brief overview of the wall and its historical importance:

Overview of Hadrian’s Wall

• Location: Spanning across northern England, from the Solway Firth (west coast) near Carlisle to Wallsend on the River Tyne near Newcastle upon Tyne.
• Length: Approximately 73 miles (80 Roman miles or 117 kilometers).
• Construction: Built by the Romans under the orders of Emperor Hadrian starting in AD 122.
• Purpose: The wall marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, designed to keep out the “barbarian” tribes (likely the Picts) to the north and to control trade and movement.

Construction Details

1. Materials:
   • Made from stone and turf, depending on the local resources.
   • The western part was initially built of turf, later replaced with stone.
2. Fortifications:
   • The wall included milecastles (small fortlets approximately every Roman mile), turrets, and forts for housing soldiers and supplies.
   • Major forts like Birdoswald, Housesteads, and Vindolanda supported the wall with garrisons and administrative functions.
3. Troops:
   • The wall was manned by Roman auxiliary troops, not the Roman legions. These were non-citizen soldiers from across the empire.

Key Locations Highlighted in the Map

• Carlisle: A major Roman settlement with a fort, known as Luguvalium.
• Birdoswald: One of the best-preserved forts, with evidence of long-term settlement even after Roman withdrawal.
• Haltwhistle, Hexham, and Corbridge: Towns or nearby areas with significant Roman archaeological remains.
• Newcastle Upon Tyne: Marks the eastern terminus of the wall, known for its Roman fort at Wallsend (Segedunum).

Legacy

1. Cultural Impact:
   • Symbol of Roman engineering and military discipline.
   • Demonstrates the extent and limits of Roman expansion.
2. Archaeological Significance:
   • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
   • Continuous excavation and research reveal insights into Roman life and military strategies.
3. Tourism:
   • A popular walking route, the Hadrian’s Wall Path, stretches along the wall’s remnants, offering a historical and scenic experience.
4. Post-Roman Use:
   • After the Roman withdrawal from Britain (early 5th century), the wall fell into disrepair, with stones reused for local construction.

Below is a map showing it relative to the Antonine Wall in Scotland:

Map created by NormanEinstein