Located at the far-flung and wild edge of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall was the mighty physical frontier constructed by Emperor Hadrian in the 120s AD. Vast in size and stretching from the east to the west cost of the province of Britannia, it took ten years and thousands of hands to build the 73 miles of wall and its impressive forts. Perhaps the greatest physical reminder and monument of Roman Britain, the remnants of the wall are still visible on the uplands of Cumbria and Northumberland to this day and it is one of the most visited heritage sites in the country.

Adrian Goldsworthy considers why and how the Vallum Aelium was built and discusses the fascinating history, afterlife and archaeology of this unique ancient monument.

The Landmark Library is a testament to the achievements of mankind from the late stone age to the present day. Each volume is handsomely illustrated with 25,000 words devoted to a crucial theme in the history of civilization.