Hadrian's Visit
Hadrian arrived in Britain in april 122AD to see the situation. He soon realised he was facing a province in turmoil. After significant attacks from the tribes in the north he faced the task of keeping the province intact. The edge of the empire had to be strengthened considerably. To regain control of the province he would build one of the greatest frontier zones they had ever created.
This was an opportunity to deal with Brigantes tribe and demonstrate just how strong Roman army really was.
The legions involved in building the wall were
the 2nd Augusta ,6th Victrix, 20th valeria victrix
Dedication to Platorius Nepos, who was appointed consul in Rome just before he was sent to Germany and then Britain in 119AD.
Nepos had direct orders from Hadrian himself that the frontier in Britain must be
stablised and brought under control.
158
Turrets
81
Milecastles
17
Forts
Why did Hadrian build the wall?
Evidence of war
A fragmentary tombstone found in 1997 at Vindolandia is that of a centurion and a unit based there during the reign of Hadrian, killed in a war. Unfortunately, the war is not named. However, given all these facts I have written what I believe happened at this time in 122AD.
This was the largest civil engineering project of its time. The political implications of its decision, the grandeur of its design and the enormous investment in labour of both soldiers and civilians all point to the personal involvement of the emperor Hadrian.
One final note is that the Historia Augusta writes that during his visit to Britain he made fundamental changes in the royal court.
“He removed from office Septicius Clarus , the prefect of the Guard and Suetonius Tranqullus the imperial secretary because without his consent ..they had been conducting themselves towards his wife Sabina in a more informal fashion than the etiquette of the court demanded."
On the face of it, this was a public reason to remove these men from office. However it appears more likely that both these men were sacked because of political reasons. Sacking two senior figures at the same time suggests some sort of plot was hatched during their time in Britain.
Being this far away from Rome was their some plan against the Emperor?
Hadrian's Legacy
After his visit to Britain, Hadrian went on to build some of the most celebrated monuments of the ancient world.
On his return to Rome he saw the completion of the Pantheon. The massive concrete dome was the largest in the world in its time and was re commsisoned by him. The original built by Marcus Agrippa in 27BC was enlarged however Hadrian did not change its name on the front.
Hadrian went on the most lavish building and re building commissions to date. In almost every province new temples, public buildings and forums were completed which he either paid for or contributed to.
Never again would an empire see so much of its Emperor. He was without doubt one of the most capable emperors who ever sat on the throne.
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