What are the interesting facts of the Hadrian’s Wall, England?

  • Commissioned by the Roman emperor Hadrian to defend the part of Britain the Romans controlled from attacks.
  • Some believe that it was constructed to prevent immigration and smuggling.
  • The 117.5 km-long wall ran coast to coast from the banks of the River Tyre near the North Sea to the Solway Firth on the Irish Sea.
  • It is called Vallum Hadriani in Latin.
  • A significant portion of the wall still stands and is considered a British cultural icon. It is one of Britain’s ancient tourist attractions.
  • Work commenced on the wall in 122 AD and was completed around six years later. It goes without saying that a construction project of such nation-spanning proportions required significant manpower. Three legions – comprised of around 5,000 infantrymen each – were employed to take care of the major construction work.
  • It’s a popular misconception that Hadrian’s Wall marks the border between England and Scotland. In fact, the wall predates both kingdoms, while substantial sections of modern-day Northumberland and Cumbria – both of which are located south of the border – are bisected by it.

 

Picture Credit : Google