SCOTLAND'S ANTONINE WALL
124 AD - The Roman Empire Arrives
Scotland’s recorded history began with the arrival of the Roman Empire. Despite building two impressive fortifications – Hadrian’s Wall to defend the northern border, and the Antonine Wall across Central Scotland to advance it forward – the Romans never truly conquered Caledonia. Unable to defeat the Caledonians and Picts, the Romans eventually withdrew and over time retreated away from Britain. Much of the 60 km (37 miles) Antonine Wall survives and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, one of six in Scotland, since 2004.
The Antonine wall, often running through suburbs and sprawl, lacks the romance of its southern cousin (Hadrian's Wall)– and is less obviously well-preserved. (Built in turf rather than stone, the wall's surviving trace is most frequently its accompanying ditch. Though often it's no more than a dip in a field, it has many moments of beauty and drama at spots such as at Bar Hill and Rough Castle.)
