The Gallery

Hadrian's Wall

Spotted in the March edition of Ethiad's inflight magazine, we can draw some comfort from the fact the Caledonii are somewhat better behaved nowadays? (DP)

'Roman Ruination

In its pomp the Roman Empire was mighty, ruthless and all-conquering. Well almost. As troops poured in from the Eternal City, they siezed much of Europe, including Britannia, edging ever northward until they discovered the Caledonii or "great hard people". Their land (Caledonia the Romans called it; we call it Scotland today) eventually proved to be indomitable. In the end, Roman generals looked at the harsh land, the endlessly inclement weather and the semi-nude maniacs defending it and thought: "Why bother?" So instead, Emperor Hadrian built the wall to keep the great hard people out of his terrirory. Much of this 1900 year old structure still stands as one of Britain's most important historical monuments (the real border is many miles further north, leaving Hadrian's wall in England). Now, 13 March sees a one-off event to light up the remnants with coast-to-coast flaming torches, to highlight the continued significance of its 84-mile route."

Related: Hadrian's Wall lit up from coast to coast (BBC News)

Roman Ruination