Antonine Wall

The Antonine Wall is a historical site located in Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is a Roman fortification that stretches across central Scotland, approximately 37 miles long. Built during the 2nd century AD, the wall was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius as a defense line against the northern tribes of Scotland, primarily the Picts.

Constructed primarily of turf, the Antonine Wall was a formidable barrier with a series of forts and watchtowers. It was built on a stone foundation and featured a deep ditch on its northern side. The wall ran from modern-day Bo'ness on the River Forth to Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde. The forts along the wall housed Roman soldiers who were tasked with maintaining order and protecting the frontier.

The Antonine Wall was in use for a relatively short period, around 20 years, before the Romans withdrew from Scotland and retreated to Hadrian's Wall further south. Despite its brief existence, the wall played a significant role in Roman military strategy and had a lasting impact on the landscape and culture of the region.

Today, the Antonine Wall is a designated World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and archaeological importance. Visitors can explore the remains of the wall and its associated forts, which provide insight into Roman military engineering and the Roman Empire's presence in Scotland. The site offers various trails and interpretive panels to enhance the visitor experience and understanding of this ancient monument.