Hadrian's Wall & Benedict's Birthday

We woke Benedict up early to make and receive calls from family in Australia. He is a man of very few words, but enjoyed seeing you all.

A very cold day greeted us as we set out for a day of all things Roman. We began with a walking tour of Corbridge (Coria) Roman Town. A military fort was established here in the AD80s and continued into the AD160s, along with a granary and a town.

From Corbridge we went to Housesteads Roman Fort (AD124). This was known as Vercovicuim in its time, was garrisoned by about 800 infantry and later cavalry. I loved this site - it was so expansive, so much was left to wander around, and we got to walk along a small part of Hadrian's Wall. There were many artefacts on display here recovered from the fort and a great children's trail to discover things along the way. We ended up being beaten by the bitterly cold winds though, and retreated to the warmth of the car, heading to the Roman Army Museum.

The Roman Army Museum was brilliant. An excellent balance of artefacts, interactive displays, and films, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed (I have a passing interest in Roman military history), kept Ken interested (he has a deeper reading and interest in Roman military history), and held the boys engrossed,

In things not so Roman, Benedict's birthday cake this evening (he wanted a crockenbush) will be custard filled profiteroles.

I'll leave Ken to do photo commentary:

A couple of reliefs of Victoria, patron goddess of the legions.

In the foreground, the granaries.  Ventilated spaces underneath reduced the risk of mildew, and allowed the dogs to be sent in after rats.

The deroofed tunnel in the upper right quadrant of this photo drained into a "fountain",  Further (originally covered) drains distributed this to basins throughout the camp.  The cisterns were slabs of stone fitted into grooves in the base, then sealed with lead.

A hoard found buried.  Mostly common items - hence not retrieved.  The display shows the remnants discovered in the late 20th century, alongside modern re-creations.

Now at Housesteads.  Technically warmer than Corbridge, but +++ chill factor.  Numb ears and noses.  The ruins of the fort and wall are at the top of the crest in the distance.

Up at the fort.

Ben pointing out where the rainwater run-off goes to wash out the latrine pits.

As at Corbridge, a granary with elevated floors.  Or a hopscotch court; it's all good

After 1500 years of ransacking, only the base of Hadrian's wall remains, even in the the "best preserved" sections.  When in use, it was similar in height to the Great Wall of China: about 6m or so.

The boys "warming up" in the ovens of the bakery.

Ben practising his surgical skills in the hospital.

Up on the Wall, adjacent to the Housesteads fort.

One of the few remaining sections that can be walked on.

At the Roman Army Museum.  As a provincial, you could could only sign on (for 25yr!) as an auxilia - on the right.  On completing your term, you and your descendants would become citizens, and earn the right to join the legions - on the left.  The legions were much better trained, equipped, and paid.

Scale -v- banded -v- chain armour.  Definitely no D&D-style "good/better/best" here.  Just lots of tradeoffs pitting together factors like weight, expense, mobility, comfort, and likely opponents.  All types of armour had their place.

By the standards of the day, Yum!, I guess.