Dr. Frances McIntosh, a Roman history historian, and the host explore Hadrian's Wall, its construction, purpose, and impact on Roman Britain. They discuss the forts, milecastles, turrets, and defensive tactics used along the wall. The conversation delves into the legacy of Hadrian's Wall and its inspiration in literature and media.
Hadrian's Wall served as a symbolic frontier dividing the Roman Empire from barbarian territories.
Structures along the wall included forts, mile castles, and turrets, creating a vibrant community along the frontier.
The diverse cultures and religions along Hadrian's Wall inspired literary works and continue to influence popular culture.
Deep dives
Construction and Evolution of Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall was a frontier dividing the Roman Empire from the land of the barbarians beyond. Initially built by Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, its purpose was to separate the Romans from the barbarians to the north. Early construction included a stone section and a turf section, eventually converted to stone. The wall went through several changes and repairs over its 300-year history, including abandonment and resurgence.
Structures on Hadrian's Wall
Structures along the wall included turrets every Roman mile, mile castles every mile, and forts approximately every 7 miles. The forts housed soldiers and included headquarters, granaries, barracks, and amenities like baths and toilets. The mile castles had gates for pedestrian traffic, ensuring controlled movement. The civilian settlements outside the forts added to the vibrant community along the wall.
Cultural and Religious Influence
Hadrian's Wall was a melting pot of cultures and religions, with deities from Roman, local, and foreign pantheons worshipped along the frontier. Temples to deities like Mithras and Coventina showcased the diversity of belief systems among soldiers and locals. The wall's legacy extended to influencing literature, inspiring works by Kipling, Auden, and even George R.R. Martin for Game of Thrones.
Legacy and Inspiration
The legacy of Hadrian's Wall is seen in its impact on literature, television, and media, with its iconic features like Sycamore Gap and the tree becoming emblematic. The transformation of Hadrian's Wall into a quarry for nearby settlements and the fading of its history over time exemplify its evolving legacy. The wall continues to inspire artists and visitors with its rich history and iconic landmarks.
End of Roman Rule and Cultural Changes
As Roman rule declined in Britain, Hadrian's Wall experienced changes with reduced military presence and adaptations by local communities. The wall's transformation into a cultural and historical landmark symbolizes its lasting impact on the region. Cultural shifts and evolving uses of the wall reflect broader changes during the transition from Roman rule to the medieval period.
Literary Impact and Media Influence
Hadrian's Wall's enduring legacy extends to its portrayal in literature, TV shows, and media, showcasing its historical significance and cultural influence. The iconic features like Sycamore Gap and its representation in literature by notable authors like Kipling and Auden highlight its timeless appeal. The wall's prominence in popular culture and media underscores its lasting impact on historical narratives and creative works.
It's the most famous Roman frontier in the world. A massive c.13-foot high wall that spanned the length of northern Britain, dividing the empire between Roman and 'barbarian' land. But how was it built? Who lived along it? And why was it named after Emperor Hadrian?
In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Frances McIntosh to tell the story of this iconic monument of Roman Britain and explore the forts, milecastles and turrets that made it far more than just a wall. Along the way they'll discover how Hadrian's Wall fit into the wider Roman frontier and how it has helped countless authors when creating fictional worlds (yes George R.R. Martin we're looking at you...).
This episode was produced and edited by Joseph Knight. Senior Producer was Anne-Marie Luff.
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