Hadrian's Wall: At the Edge of the Roman Empire | History Traveler Episode 376

When Hadrian came to power in 117 A.D., he adopted a different position than his predecessors. Rather than looking to expand the empire, he opted to secure and maintain the borders where they currently were. At the far end of the empire in Britannia, the security of the border came in the form of a wall that would cut across the entire country. In this episode, we'll be taking a look at some of the history and ruins attached to Hadrian's Wall.

Other episodes that you might enjoy:

[rachelrutherford]

Episode 376! Never stop doing what you’re doing. The world needs to know its history.

[terryadams]

From the 1940's all the way back to 117AD! When you catch a ride with JD, be prepared to pop up anywhere in time!!

[johnhippely]

Once I saw you were in the UK patrolling Roman ruins, I knew you'd get here. I'd love to do what you do, but life had other plans. Keep up sharing history for those of us that can't travel like that.

[blcnight]

While I enjoy your WWII content, especially going to the museum to see the latest artifact arrivals, I really appreciate that you've been spreading outside that box to other aspects of history.

Really enjoying these Roman Britain episodes and am looking forward to more.

[HotRodMolina]

The iron shoes for horses are to protect from caltrops. The spoon with 3 holes was for braiding rope. Are you going up to Caledonia and Antonine's Wall too, JD?

[GlasgowCeltic]

From Ep.1 and you wombling around Jefferson's Barracks, to Ep.376 and your wombles around Hadrian's Wall... I'm here for every last one. Keep doing what you're doing JD!!
If you're still in England and get the chance then pop down to Chester, just south east of Liverpool, a Roman Provincial City and where, today, you csn still walk the same streets the Romans once did... Chester's City Centre is STILL laid out in tbe same way it was 2, 000 years ago. Oh smd you can walk round its walls too!

And a wee nugget of knowledge: any town/City, in the UK, with "Chester" in its name was at one time a Roman town.

[bradmiller]

Having heard of the wall for decades and only understanding it was to keep ‘enemies’ at bay, when I finally understood just how false it seemed the word ‘wall’ is to describe what basically made Fortress Britannia was absolutely mind blowing! Wonderful and workmanlike episode, JD!

[adrianbarnett]

Great to see you in the UK and especially the north!

[robertvirtue]

No one will ever accuse you of allowing grass to grow under your feet JD. Thank-you for taking us places that most of us will never visit. You are THE MAN.

[DoctorDave]

My wife and I visited Hadrian’s wall and the Roman fort last year. I’m ashamed to say that in my excitement I climbed onto the wall to take a photo. I noticed a sign a few yards away and I climbed down to read it. As I came around to the front of the sign I read “UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU CLIMB THE WALL “.

I am usually a conscientious and respectful person and was embarrassed by my silly transgression. That said, I am Scottish so perhaps the spirit of my ancestors overcame me and set me off marauding!

Great video and the wall is a terrific place to visit.

[adriansantana]

0:45. Hi, I am glad to hear that you're interested in Rome history as well.
I am a history buff when it comes to ww1 and ww2, as well as the Rome army history.

[nicholaslee]

Great video on a fascinating subject. And, of course, no episode is complete without JD bumping his noggin. Thanks for taking another for the team and bringing us great content.

[wayneantoniazzi]

You know, it's downright miraculous so many artifacts have come out of the ground at these site, to say nothing of the fact the foundations are still pretty intact.
Thanks for bringing us along J.D! This is a real education, I've read some Roman military history but haven't "majored" in it, if you know what I mean. The more I learn about the Romans the more I respect them. They weren't perfect by a long shot but they were damn remarkable just the same.

[mattbarton]

As a huge fan of all things Roman, I would love for you to really take a deep dive and make this a regular thing!

[aaron_osborne]

This should be fun I’m currently in a Mexican history class. Hope you do more of these ancient history videos.

[dwelleratthedowns]

WWII and Romans, 2 of my favorite subjects! You are killin' it! 👍

[Chris-Nico]

The Roman’s.. way ahead of their time. I’m trying to imagine building the wall, but just what it took to quarry all that rock!! Let alone the timber used and henceforth shaping it with those ancient tools. Very impressive indeed! Thank you JD.

[WendiintoancientHistory]

❤❤❤I am studying the Ancient Roman Empire. Trajan, Hadrian's father was a better Emperor IMO. It's my dream to one day go where you are now and see it ALL. THANK YOU for showing us your travels!!!!

[chriscaviness]

Been waiting for this one! Time for some popcorn.

[CycoWarriorx]

The footprint of that complex/area had to be massive… wow… 🍻