Altars
A number of altars, carved in stone, were raised along the line of the Antonine Wall by both soldiers and civilians.
19 inscribed stone tablets provide a unique record of the building of the wall. These distance stones are the most important collection of Roman sculpture on any Roman frontier.
Why were distance stones created?
The construction of the wall was divided into sections. As each section was completed, the building team celebrated their achievement by creating a stone carving. This slab honoured the emperor, recorded the distance covered and featured the name of the legion who made it.
Distance Stone of the Second Legion, Balmuildy
What can they tell us?
The written descriptions reveal that the Wall was constructed by the three legions based in Britain:
- Second Augustan Legion
- Sixth Victorious Legion
- Twentieth Victorious Valerian Legion.
Some of the stones show the ‘signatures’ of the legions: a boar for the Twentieth Legion, and a Capricorn (half-goat, half-fish) or Pegasus (winged horse) for the Second Legion.
Why are the distance stones important?
The stones were much more than just a building record. Many have elaborate sculptures which communicate a powerful message of triumph. Carved images of conquering Romans celebrate the invaders’ victory over a downcast enemy. Images of beheading and mutilation spell out a threatening warning.
Building inscriptions are common throughout the Roman world, but there are no other known discoveries of distance slabs such as these on any other Roman frontier making them unique.
Distance Stone of the Twentieth Legion, Castlehill
Where can I see them now?
All but two of the surviving stones are now on display in the Hunterian Museum.
An impressive replica of the famous Bridgeness stone can be seen where it was originally found in Bo’ness. The original can be seen in the National Museum of Scotland.
Tombstones
Tombstones provide an insight into the people who lived along the wall.
Building Materials
A range of building materials have survived at sites along the Antonine Wall.
