In the year 122 AD, Roman Emperor Hadrian commanded that a 73 mile wall be built to separate Roman Britannia from Caledonia to the North. Much of it still stands and we went to a well preserved portion of it at Housesteads. It sits on top of a hill with a steep cliff to the north and a beautiful valley to the south, and includes a full Roman Fort.
The fort is quite large and was built to hold about 800 soldiers.
Deb, Clare, and Pete in and among the Roman ruins.
The pantry, shown below, had a raised floor to improve air circulation and so domesticated animals could hunt out the vermin.
The latrine was strategically located at the lowest point in the corner of the fort and the sewage ran away from the fort into the valley.
Not exactly indoor plumbing, but not bad for 2,000 years ago!
This part of the wall was located at the top of a cliff to the north for extra protection.
The wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and humbling to experience it up close!
The Roman soldiers are gone, but local wooly residents still live there.
Looks lovely now get home!!!
On our way!
The story behind this place is fascinating. Now get home!
🙂
We’ll miss the blogs, but want you home!!!