Hadrian’s Wall in northern England is one of the most astonishing mega-structures of the ancient world. This mighty barrier was the largest structure in the Roman Empire, running from coast to coast and dividing the island of Britain in two.

Why did the Romans build such an impressive fortification? Today archaeologists are investigating the wall’s hidden history and uncovering its buried defences. At Vindolanda fort, hundreds of wooden tablets reveal the harsh reality of life as a soldier on the edge of the Roman Empire. This was an untamed frontier - what dangers lay beyond Rome’s great wall?

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