Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Antonine Wall - A World Heritage Site: Grenzen des Roemischen Reiches: Der Antoninus Wall

The Antonine Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire, one of only three "artificial" frontiers along the European boundaries. It was the most developed frontier in Europe, with the survival of the Distance Slabs, which record the lengths constructed by each legion and their relationship to the labor camps.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

The Antonine Wall, situated at the farthest reaches of the Roman world, held a pivotal position for a generation during the mid-second century AD. It served as the northern-west frontier of the Roman empire, standing as one of only three "artificial" frontiers along the empire's European boundaries. Alongside the Hadrians Wall and the German Limes, the Antonine Wall played a crucial role in defining the empire's territorial boundaries.

While the Antonine Wall follows the general pattern of Roman frontiers, it stands out in several ways. One of its most remarkable features is the preservation of a remarkable collection of Roman military sculpture known as the Distance Slabs. These slabs, inscribed with the lengths of the legions and their connections to labor camps, provide invaluable insights into the arduous process of constructing the Antonine Wall.

The Distance Slabs not only reveal the physical dimensions of the wall but also shed light on the organizational structure and logistical capabilities of the Roman army. By studying the lengths of the legions and their deployment, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the military strategy employed by the Romans in this region.

Furthermore, the survival of the Distance Slabs allows us to make further conclusions about the social and economic implications of the Antonine Wall. The construction of such a massive barrier required a significant investment of resources and labor. The presence of labor camps suggests that the Roman government employed a large workforce to build the wall, including both soldiers and civilians.

The construction of the Antonine Wall also had a profound impact on the local communities and cultures that were situated along its route. The wall served as a physical and symbolic boundary, dividing the Roman world from the barbarian territories beyond. It marked a significant milestone in the Romanization of the northern frontier and facilitated the spread of Roman culture, technology, and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Antonine Wall is a remarkable testament to the power and ingenuity of the Roman empire. Its survival of the Distance Slabs provides valuable insights into the construction, organization, and impact of this artificial frontier. The wall not only marked the northern-west boundary of the Roman empire but also had a profound social, economic, and cultural significance, shaping the development of the region for centuries to come.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 183 x 247 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789699951