Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is a famous old wall in northern England. The Romans built it almost 2,000 years ago. It was named after Emperor Hadrian, who ordered it to be built. The wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. Parts of it are still standing today.

Why It Was Built

The Romans ruled most of Britain but not the north. They built the wall to keep out people from Scotland called the Picts. It also helped the Romans watch who came in and out. Soldiers stood guard at forts along the wall. About 15,000 soldiers lived and worked there.

Building the Wall

Work on the wall began in 122 AD. It took about six years to finish. Roman soldiers did most of the building themselves. The wall was made of stone and was up to 20 feet tall. There were small forts every mile along the wall.

Fun Facts

• Hadrian's Wall is a famous World Heritage Site today.
• You can still hike along most of the wall in England.
• Soldiers from all over the Roman Empire guarded the wall.

Did You Know?

Archeologists found old letters at the wall written by Roman soldiers and their families nearly 2,000 years ago.