L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 20 L'Italo-Americano W h e n w e t h i n k o f t h e r e m - n a n t s o f the ancient Romans, our minds tend to wander to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or the majestic Pantheon, all situated in mod- ern Italy. However, the ves- tiges of this great civilization are not confined to Italy alone: t h e R o m a n E m p i r e , a t i t s zenith, spread far and wide, l e a v i n g i t s i n d e l i b l e m a r k across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. These regions are dotted with histor- ical Roman vestiges, tangible reminders of a time when they were part of the most powerful empire in the world. One of the most significant symbols of Rome's expansive rule is Hadrian's Wall, in the green and fairy-like land- scape of Northern England. Built under Emperor Hadri- an's reign in the second centu- ry AD, this wall represents the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire and it marks the furthest point north that our Roman ancestors ventured to. But the wall is also a fasci- nating symbol of the ancient engineering prowess of the Roman Empire: built between AD 122 and AD 130 during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, it served as a fortified barrier stretching across Northern England, to protect Roman l a n d f r o m t h e d a n g e r o u s incursions of the unconquered inhabitants of Scotland's high- lands. I t s c o n s t r u c t i o n w a s a colossal undertaking, which was primarily carried out by Roman soldiers, with each legion responsible for con- structing different sections. It extended approximately 73 miles (118 kilometers) from coast to coast, from the banks of the River Tyne, near the North Sea, to Solway Firth on the Irish Sea, and was approx- imately 10 feet wide and 15 feet high; it was punctuated by a series of fortresses known as milecastles, placed at intervals of roughly a Roman mile apart (approximately 1,620 yards). Smaller observation towers, or t u r r e t s , w e r e p o s i t i o n e d between the milecastles, offer- ing a more frequent lookout p o i n t a l o n g t h e w a l l . T h e Wall's primary purpose was to assert Roman power, control immigration and, as said, deter raids by small bands of northern tribes. However, it also had significant symbolic value, demonstrating the reach and organization of the Roman Empire. I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e w a l l itself, the Romans also con- structed a complex system of ditches, mounds, and mili- tary roads, a complex and reliable infrastructure that allowed for quick communi- cation and efficient troop movements. The vallum, a large earthwork that ran par- a l l e l t o t h e w a l l , f u r t h e r added to the defenses, pre- venting any potential south- ern attack against the wall B u t t h e r e w a s m o r e t o H a d r i a n ' s W a l l t h a n i t s impressive fortifications and its value as a military struc- ture: along its length were a series of forts that housed auxiliary soldiers, their fami- lies, and civilian settlements. These forts, which includ- ed Vindolanda and Hous- esteads, were self-contained communities, complete with barracks, granaries, bath- houses, temples, and mar- ketplaces. This suggests that the wall also played a key role in romanizing the local populace and integrating them into the broader eco- nomic and cultural life of the Roman Empire. In this con- text, we should take a closer look at the Vindolanda set- tlement and fort, which dates back to AD 85 and is a real a r c h a e o l o g i c a l t r e a s u r e trove. Vindolanda, in fact, provided remarkable insights into the daily life of Roman Britain and helped historian piece together the pieces of an important moment in the historical and cultural devel- opment of the island. This is why Vindolanda's archaeological importance cannot be overstated. The fort's anaerobic soil condi- tions have led to the remark- able preservation of everyday items, offering a unique win- dow into the Roman world: from leather shoes to wood- e n o b j e c t s , t h e i t e m s u n e a r t h e d a t V i n d o l a n d a provide an unparalleled look into the lives of the people, both military and civilian, who once called this place home. But the most extraordi- nary discoveries at Vindolan- d a a r e t h e V i n d o l a n d a Tablets. These thin, post- card-sized pieces of wood were used as writing tablets, and thanks to the damp soil, hundreds of them have sur- vived. They provide a wealth of information, including military documents, lists of foodstuffs, personal letters, and more. The tablets have helped historians delve deep- er into the human side of the Roman Empire, revealing the hopes, fears, and mun- dane details of life on the empire's northern frontier. Over the centuries, the wall was periodically aban- doned and reoccupied by the Romans. It eventually fell into disuse with the end of Roman rule in Britain in the early 5th century. The stones f r o m t h e w a l l w e r e l a t e r repurposed for local building projects, and much of its original structure was lost. In the modern era, Hadri- an's Wall has been recog- nized for its historical and archaeological significance. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, ensuring its preserva- tion and study for future generations. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Britain, offer- ing visitors a unique glimpse into the country's Roman past. Hadrian's Wall serves as a p o w e r f u l s y m b o l o f t h e Roman Empire's influence and engineering capabilities. Its remains provide invalu- able insights into the Roman occupation of Britain, from their military tactics to their societal organization. But the wall is also a mirror to the dynamic nature of history, a reality where empires rise and fall, cultural boundaries change, but the enduring power of human ingenuity endures. Hadrian's Wall: when Rome was home in Britain CHIARA D'ALESSIO HERITAGE HISTORY IDENTITY TRADITIONS PEOPLE Hadrian's Wall, in Northumberland, once marked the northernmost extension of the Roman Empire (Photo: Phillip Maguire/Dreamstime); it was built under the rule of Emperor Hadrian (Photo: Neil Harrison)

• Cover