The Purpose of the Wall

This is the only written indication of why the wall was built. Nowhere in the empire was such a formable frontier defence system built. In some regions, limes were constructed, consisting of wooden palisades with ditches and turrets or just a line of watchtowers.

SYCAMORE-GAP-FROM-THE-EAST

So why did this northern British frontier warrant such special attention?

We can only guess the purpose of Hadrian’s Wall

• We should not underestimate the amount of military action that had taken place in 25 years prior to building the wall, particularly in the 5 years since Hadrian become emperor. There is a reference to the number of men lost in this period. The fact that the forts were moved onto the wall indicated that force was needed immediately to hand
• The length of the Wall was 73 miles,( 80 Roman miles) short in the context of the empires thousands of miles of frontiers.
• There may have been constant raids, stealing property, particularly cattle.
• It acted as a customs barrier to control immigration, smuggling and taxation.
• A symbol of the might and power of Rome. The locals had never seen a structure so big, it would be awe-inspiring, particular if it was whitewashed, for which there is evidence. It would also be a statement in the empire of so far and no further.
• With the vallum control area behind the Wall, there would be only 16 exits to Roman territory south of the Wall.
• 3 legions moved to the Wall from the rest of Britain, needed to be kept busy, the wall certainly did that for 6 to 8 years

Prof David Breeze   Much watch Hadrian’s Purpose in building the Wall   explained click Here

The broader background can be found HERE