Leather shoes show the presence of women and children along the wall
Archaeological excavation and stray finds along the Antonine Wall have revealed a wide range of Roman artefacts.
The most important sculpture collection from any Roman frontier
Inscriptions give a rare insight into named people who lived on the wall
The history of discovery
AD 411
Official Roman occupation of Britain ended
The wall became part of the surrounding countryside and gradually forgotten
Late 14th century
A new name - “Grimisdyke”
The wall became part of a growing group of legends with its Roman heritage forgotten.
1755
Wall Surveyed
Mapmaker William Roy surveyed the Wall in 1755
1760-1790
Objects found during canal construction
Roman objects discovered during the construction of the Forth-Clyde canal sparked an interest in Roman Scotland.
1890-93
Archaeological excavations
The Glasgow Archaeological Society carried out the first modern archaeological work
1926
Section of wall ‘scheduled’
The first section of the Antonine Wall was added to the schedule – a list of monuments of national importance.
2008
Inscribed as a World Heritage Site
The Antonine Wall was nominated and inscribed as part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the AD 160’s, the order came to withdraw from the Antonine Wall. On departure, fort buildings were burnt or demolished but the rampart and ditch were kept intact.
The Romans took valuable and portable items away with them, but heavy and worthless objects were discarded. They buried many of these items so that native people could not use them.
Archaeological Discoveries
This has led to the preservation and survival of some incredible organic remains along the Antonine Wall, offering a glimpse of daily life in the forts.
It has also ensured the survival of many of the larger artistic and ceremonial pieces that were produced for the forts themselves.
Key artefacts and finds include:
Many of these can be viewed at the Hunterian Museum or the National Museum of Scotland.
Top sites to visit
Want to know where the best locations are to see the Antonine Wall today? Check out our guide for the best spots to visit.
Sites for families and children
If you’re planning a visit with younger children, here are some of the top sites that will keep all the family entertained.
Trips along the wall
If you want to go off the beaten track or explore more of the wall, then our cycling, walking, and driving guides could help you plan your journey.
Protecting and managing the wall
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover how the Antonine Wall is protected and managed.