ROMAN FORTS THREE MORE PLACES TO EXPLORE

1 Hunterian Museum GLASGOW Where artefacts from the Antonine Wall can be found

Alongside its anatomy and zoology displays, the Hunterian is home to a permanent exhibition on the story of the wall, from its construction and habitation to its archaeological rediscovery. Many artefacts uncovered along the wall are on display here. As well as the distance slabs, there are everyday items such as a bronze lamp, gaming board (pictured left), leather tent and the children’s shoes found at Bar Hill fort.

gla.ac.uk/hunterian

2 Vindolanda NORTHUMBERLAND Where life in a Roman garrison was recorded for posterity

Occupied from c85– 370 AD, Vindolanda is one of the most impressive forts along Hadrian’s Wall. The extensive remains of the garrison are still being explored – visit between April and September and you may well see archaeologists at work. It’s here that perhaps the best evidence of everyday life in Roman Britain was uncovered: the Vindolanda writing tablets (right). These inkscrawled wooden fragments are an unparalleled record of life at the Roman garrison, and even include a birthday party invite dating back to AD 100.

vindolanda.com

3 Isca Augusta CAERLEON, SOUTH WALES Where a legion had its HQ

Located in the village of Caerleon in south Wales, this legionary fortress was one of Britain’s three major Roman military headquarters, along with York and Chester. Home to the Second Augustan Legion, it was founded around AD 75, and remained a military base for expeditions to take on the warlike Silures people over the next 200 years. Caerleon is also home to the impressive remains of Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre (once big enough to seat a 5,000-strong legion), and the National Roman Legion Museum (closed for repairs until autumn 2019). cadw.gov.wales