Building the wall

In AD122 Hadrian ordered a mighty frontier system to be built across the north of Britain. The result was Hadrian's Wall, a 73 mile barrier stretching from the Solway Firth on the west coast of Britain to the River Tyne on the east coast.

Its purpose was to defend the Roman Empire from the barbarians to the North.

(3 minutes 14 seconds)

An emperor's love
(3 minutes 2 seconds)

The power of image
(4 minutes 10 seconds)

The imperial palace
(2 minutes 25 seconds)

Building the wall
(3 minutes 14 seconds)

Hadrian: a new emperor
(3 minutes 3 seconds)

Photos in right hand column: Neil MacGregor and bust of Hadrian / Hadrian’s Wall (Photo: Roger Clegg. © Roger Clegg, 2008) / The Maritime Theatre at Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli near Rome / Statue of Hadrian in Greek dress being conserved / The Pantheon in Rome / Bust of Antinous

Supported by BP