Hadrian's WallThe Wall was built by the Emperor Hadrian across northern Britain from the east to the west coast, a distance of 110 km/68 miles. Fifteen forts were placed on or beside the wall to provide the soldiers for patrolling the Wall and regulating the movement of traffic. Beyond the Wall itself were outpost forts. These acted as early-warning systems.Between 138 AD and 161 AD the Wall was shut down in favour of the Antonine Wall, before being reused after the death of the emperor Antoninus Pius. The Picts got through several times and the Wall was finally abandoned in about 383 AD.Type the answers to these questions.1) Why do you think Hadrian's Wall was given that name ?
It was covered in some parts with a glistening, white coat of mortar. It was 1.8 m/5.9 ft thick with a wide ditch (called a vallum) in front.
At distances of 1 Roman mile a gateway was placed in the wall protected by a fortlet, known as a milecastle. These gateways allowed local people to pass through the frontier.
2) How long was the Wall ?
3) What kind of buildings would you find along the wall ?
4) Why were forts placed along the wall ?
Two watchtowers were placed between each milecastle to ensure that any movement could be observed.
PRINT a copy of this page for your history folder