The Design of the Antonine Wall. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hanson, W.S.
• Is Part Of: Britannia. Volume 51(2020)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Antonine Wall, -- Roman frontier design, -- primary and secondary forts, -- spacing of forts, -- fortlets; Great Britain -- History -- Roman period, 55 B.C.-449 A.D -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Antiquities, Roman -- Periodicals; Romans -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 936.10305
• DOI: 10.1017/S0068113X20000112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0068-113X

Abstract

Abstract: This paper assesses the alternative models currently proposed for the original design of the Antonine Wall. It argues that there is sufficient evidence of a pattern in the structural relationships between the Wall and its various garrison posts to confirm that there was a major change of plan during the construction process. This resulted in the addition of a series of secondary forts, several of which can now be shown to have replaced primary fortlets, and a concomitant delay in the construction programme. An explanation is offered for this rapid change of design, which resulted in one of the most intensively garrisoned linear frontiers in the Roman Empire.