The emperor Hadrian (AD117-138) determined that the frontiers of the Empire should stay as they were when he succeeded. In some cases the frontiers were on rivers, such as the Rhine, Danube and Euphrates. Where no natural barrier existed, artificial barriers were constructed. In Germany, between the Rhine and the Danube, this was a ditch and timber palisade, with attached towers and forts. In Britain the wall which bears Hadrian’s name was built slightly north of the Stanegate “to separate the Romans from the barbarians” in AD122."
It was 15 feet high, and had forts called milecastles (housing garrisons of up to 60 men) every Roman mile along its entire length, with towers every 1/3 mile. Sixteen larger forts holding from 500 to 1000 troops were built into the wall, with large gates.
It lasted until into the 5th century. While it did fall when the Empire did, what came after was the dark ages. This wall like the one we need was to keep people out, not in.
Thoughts?
2006-08-18
06:33:45
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7 answers
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Immigration