Romans on the Antonine Wall: Walking in the Footsteps of Empire

Falkirk is home to one of the most extraordinary remnants of Roman Britain — the Antonine Wall. Built around AD 142 under Emperor Antoninus Pius, the wall stretched for 37 miles across central Scotland and marked the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire.

Unlike the stone-built Hadrian’s Wall further south, the Antonine Wall was made of turf on a stone base, running across the Forth–Clyde isthmus. Falkirk’s central position made it a key point in this defensive line, where soldiers lived, patrolled, and traded with local communities.

What Was the Antonine Wall?

The wall was a statement of Roman power, meant to secure territory and keep northern tribes at bay. Forts were built at intervals, manned by soldiers from across the Empire. Archaeological finds — from leather shoes to altars — tell us that life here was not just about war, but also about family, worship, and daily routines.

Key Falkirk Sites

• Rough Castle Fort – one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Britain, with visible ramparts and ditches.

• Watling Lodge – home to the most visible stretch of ditch and rampart, where you can clearly see the scale of the wall.

• Callendar House – inside, the Antonine Wall gallery explains the history with interactive displays.

Life on the Frontier

Soldiers came from across the Roman world — Spain, Syria, and modern-day Germany. They built roads, bathhouses, and temples, and their presence forever changed the culture of the region. Yet after only twenty years, the wall was abandoned, leaving behind stories buried in earth and stone.

Why It Still Matters

Today the Antonine Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking these paths connects us not only to Roman soldiers but also to the generations of Falkirk people who grew up beside its remains.

Discover Falkirk’s walking tours bring this history to life, taking you along the routes where soldiers once marched, and showing how their presence shaped the town we know today.

Step into the past — book your Falkirk history walk and experience the Roman frontier first-hand.