Hadrian

The Obelisk and Tomb of Antinous

Barbara Gai explores the history of this important monument and the clues that might lead to the location of Antinous’ tomb.

Above Today, the focal point for visitors to Aquincum is the museum and archaeological park on the site of the former Roman town.

Aquincum: a museum and archaeological park in an urban setting

On 10 May 1894, Aquincum Museum in Budapest opened its doors to the public. Here, in anticipation of the forthcoming anniversary of that event, David Breeze recounts his connection to the museum and its archaeological park.

Marble bust of the emperor Hadrian wearing military dress, from Hadrian’s Villa, AD 117 118, British Museum (14245899524)

The Past

Hadrian Quiz

Hadrian was born in AD 76. In which year did he become emperor?

Visions of the Roman North: art and identity in northern Roman Britain

This remarkable and important study of the art and culture of northern Roman Britain has been published almost two decades after my own – The Heirs of King Verica (Tempus, 2002; 2nd edition: Amberley, 2010), which dealt almost entirely with…

Hadrian’s Wall: A Roman frontier revisited

How much do we really know about Hadrian’s Wall? After more than a century of scientific research into this magnificent Roman monument, it might be suspected that few mysteries remain. Instead, the recent ‘Pilgrimage’ along the Wall showed that debate is still in rude health, as Matthew Symonds reveals.

Above A muddy ‘pinch point’ on the National Trail, within Milecastle 33, at the end of winter. The bridge carries the path over the side wall of the milecastle.

Managing the Wall: How to care for a 73-mile-long monument

Hadrian’s Wall was built to safeguard the Roman frontier – today, the fortification itself needs special care. Humphrey Welfare discusses the unique challenges of managing a monument that runs from coast to coast and spans diverse authority areas.

Community spirit: Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria

For Historic England, Hadrian’s Wall has always been a site needing active research – many questions about the frontier remain unanswered, and only by the kind of refreshed understanding that research brings, and by addressing the interests and concerns of the public, can the frontier remain relevant.

Above Between 1978 and 1982, excavation of the north Lanes site at Carlisle shed vivid light on the Roman civilian settlement. Here, the team from Carlisle Archaeological Unit is lifting one of the oak base plates belonging to a 2nd century high status structure, possibly a mansio.

Reconstructing Roman Carlisle: Fort life on a shifting frontier

The Roman fort at Carlisle was founded decades before the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. How did the site’s use change as the frontier was fortified, and what can we learn about the lives of its inhabitants? John Zant reports.