Frontiers of the Roman Empire
The frontiers of the Roman Empire together form the largest monument of
one of the world’s greatest ancient states. They stretch for some 7,500
km through 20 countries which encircle the Mediterranean Sea. The
remains of these frontiers have been studied by visitors and later by
archaeologists for several centuries. Many of the inscriptions and
sculptures, weapons, pottery and artefacts created and used by the
soldiers and civilians who lived on the frontier can be seen in museums.
Equally evocative of the lost might of Rome are the physical remains of
the frontiers themselves. The aim of this series of books is not only
to inform the interested visitor about the history of the frontiers but
to act as a guidebook as well. Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction
of the great Wall which still bears his name ‘to separate the barbarians
from the Romans’ (Historia Augusta, Life of Hadrian, 11). The complex
of military installations, 117 km long, but with an extension without
the linear barrier for about 40 km down the west coast, contained 74 km
of stone wall, 43 km of turf rampart, 200 towers, 100 fortlets, 20
forts, took years to construct and was probably still being modified
when Hadrian died in July 138. This highly illustrated book offers an
accessible summary of Hadrian’s Wall, and an overview of the wider
context of the Roman frontiers.