Segedunum Roman Fort, located in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, stands as a fascinating testament to the Roman occupation of Britain. As the eastern terminus of Hadrian’s Wall, Segedunum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of Roman soldiers stationed at the edge of the empire. This overview will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Segedunum’s history, significance, and what you can expect to see during your visit.
Segedunum, which means “strong fort” in Latin, was built around AD 122 as part of Emperor Hadrian’s grand defensive strategy. It was one of 17 forts along Hadrian’s Wall, which stretched 73 miles (117 km) across northern England. The fort’s strategic location at the eastern end of the wall allowed the Romans to control river traffic on the Tyne and defend against potential invasions from the north.
For about 300 years, Segedunum housed a garrison of 600 Roman soldiers. Initially, it was occupied by the Fourth Cohort of Lingones, an infantry unit from Gaul (modern-day France). Later, in the 2nd century, the First Cohort of Cornovii, a unit recruited from the British Midlands, took over the fort’s defense.
Life at Segedunum continued until the Romans withdrew from Britain in the early 5th century. After the Roman departure, the fort fell into disrepair and was gradually buried under centuries of later development. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that extensive archaeological excavations brought Segedunum back to light, revealing a wealth of information about Roman military life on the frontier.
Segedunum covers an area of about 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres), making it one of the smaller forts along Hadrian’s Wall. Despite its size, the fort’s layout provides an excellent example of standard Roman military architecture. Key features include:
1. Defensive Walls: The fort was surrounded by thick stone walls with rounded corners, a typical design that made it easier to defend against attacks.
2. Gateways: Four gateways, one on each side of the fort, allowed controlled access. The main gates were the Porta Praetoria (east gate) and the Porta Decumana (west gate).
3. Headquarters Building (Principia): Located at the center of the fort, this was the administrative heart of Segedunum.
4. Commanding Officer’s House (Praetorium): A luxurious residence for the fort’s commander, featuring its own bathhouse.
5. Barracks: Several long, narrow buildings where the soldiers lived, typically in groups of eight men per room.
6. Granaries: Large buildings used to store food supplies for the garrison.
7. Hospital (Valetudinarium): A dedicated building for treating sick or wounded soldiers.
8. Bathhouse: An essential feature of Roman life, located outside the fort walls.
Today, Segedunum is a world-class visitor attraction, offering a unique insight into Roman life on the frontier. Here’s what you can expect to see and do during your visit:
1. 35-Meter Viewing Tower: This modern addition provides a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the entire fort layout, helping visitors understand its scale and organization.
2. Interactive Museum: Housing a vast collection of Roman artifacts found at the site, the museum brings the fort’s history to life through interactive displays and reconstructions.
3. Reconstructed Bath House: A faithful recreation of a Roman bathhouse, giving visitors a vivid sense of this crucial aspect of Roman daily life.
4. Hadrian’s Wall: You can see the remains of the wall itself, which began (or ended) at Segedunum.
5. Reconstructed Roman Garden: Showcasing the types of plants the Romans would have grown for food and medicine.
6. Time Quest: An interactive exhibit that allows visitors to experience archaeological techniques firsthand.
7. Seasonal Reenactments: The site often hosts living history events where reenactors demonstrate aspects of Roman military life.
Segedunum’s importance extends beyond its role as a military installation. Here are some key reasons why the site is significant:
1. Eastern Terminus of Hadrian’s Wall: Segedunum marks the beginning (or end) of Hadrian’s Wall, one of the most ambitious building projects of the Roman Empire.
2. Insight into Roman Military Life: The well-preserved remains and artifacts provide valuable information about how Roman soldiers lived and worked on the empire’s frontier.
3. Example of Roman Engineering: The fort’s layout and construction showcase Roman engineering and architectural skills.
4. Evidence of Cultural Exchange: Artifacts found at the site demonstrate the mix of Roman and local British cultures that developed during the occupation.
5. Urban Development: The site illustrates how modern urban development can coexist with the preservation of ancient monuments.
Excavations at Segedunum have yielded numerous intriguing finds that shed light on life in Roman Britain:
1. The Only Stone Toilet Seat from Roman Britain: This unique artifact provides a tangible link to the everyday lives of the fort’s inhabitants.
2. Cavalry Barracks: Unlike many forts along Hadrian’s Wall, Segedunum housed a cavalry unit, as evidenced by the discovery of cavalry barracks.
3. Jet Pendant: A beautifully preserved jet pendant, possibly used as a good luck charm by a Roman soldier.
4. Writing Tablets: These wooden tablets provide insights into the literacy levels and administrative practices of the Roman military.
5. Pottery and Coins: A wealth of pottery and coins from various parts of the Roman Empire, illustrating the fort’s connections to the wider Roman world.
Segedunum Roman Fort offers a unique window into the world of Roman Britain. From its strategic location at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall to its well-preserved remains and informative museum, Segedunum provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of life on the Roman frontier. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a casual visitor, or part of an educational group, Segedunum offers an engaging and informative experience that brings the distant past vividly to life. As you walk through the remains of this ancient fort, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Roman soldiers who stood at the edge of their empire, guarding the border of their known world.
