The Ancients How to Survive on Hadrian’s Wall
Jan 15, 2026
Join Tristan Hughes and guest Dr. Francis Mackintosh, a collections curator for English Heritage at Hadrian's Wall, as they delve into the fascinating lives of those on the Roman frontier. They discuss the complex motives behind Hadrian's Wall, the unique cultural identities of military garrisons, and the daily routines of soldiers and their families. Dr. Mackintosh reveals insights into local deities, communal meals, and even the evidence of crime and entertainment in the forts. Discover how these communities adapted and thrived in a changing world.
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Wall As A Multi-Functional Border
- Hadrian's Wall was a multi-purpose frontier combining defence, taxation, and propaganda.
- Its construction (c.122–132 AD) created a visible statement of Roman control across 80 Roman miles.
A Cosmopolitan Military Community
- Garrisons on the Wall were ethnically diverse, with units recruited from across the empire.
- Units retained regional identities through pottery, cuisine and religious practices.
Barrack Life And Horse Care
- Soldiers often lived in crowded barracks separate from their families until legal marriage rights changed.
- Cavalrymen kept horses in adjacent rooms and prioritized feeding and caring for them daily.