Hadrian's Wall

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Over its long history, Hadrian's Wall has significantly influenced the British landscape, both literally and figuratively. Once seen as a soft border, recent research suggests it played a role in the collapse of a farming civilization and incited violent insurgency. Matthew Symonds examines the Wall's impact over three centuries, revealing its role as a hard border that transformed an open landscape. The Roman soldiers stationed there, primarily recruits from occupied territories, experienced the frontier as a place of fear and magic, invoking supernatural protection during guard duty. Throughout history, the Wall has been leveraged by those seeking legitimacy as heirs of Rome, contributing to the development of English and Scottish national identities and serving as a model of cultural collaboration during the British Empire's reassurance. Its influence extends to the creative realm, inspiring works from Rudyard Kipling's Puck of Pook's Hill to George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones. By combining archaeological analysis with an exploration of its legacy and contemporary relevance, this volume offers a modern perspective on the Wall and its enduring significance.