Ep 10. England's Great Wall

In season 8, episode 10 of History's Mysteries, we take a deep dive into a structure that is not well known, but is just as important as Hadrian's Wall or the Great Wall of China: England's Great Wall.

This wall, also known as the Gask Ridge system, is a 40-mile long series of ditches, ramparts, and fortifications that date back to Roman times. Built in the early 2nd century AD, the wall was designed to prevent the Picts, a group of barbarian tribes believed to have originated from modern-day Scotland, from invading the fertile lands of England.

The episode begins by giving us a brief overview of the Roman conquest of Britain and the importance of the wall in defending Roman territory. We are introduced to some of the key figures involved in the wall's construction, including the Roman governor Agricola and the soldier-turned-historian Tacitus. We learn about the challenges the Romans faced in building the wall, including the difficult terrain of the Scottish Highlands and the resistance of the Picts.

Next, we are taken on a journey along the length of the wall, exploring the various components that make up this impressive defensive structure. We see the remains of the ramparts, which were designed to deter enemy attacks and provide elevated positions for archers and soldiers. We also see the ditches, which would have made it difficult for attackers to approach the wall and would have provided an early warning system for Roman soldiers. Finally, we visit the various forts and watchtowers that were strategically placed along the wall, giving Roman soldiers a vantage point from which to fend off attacks.

Throughout the episode, we also learn about the ongoing debates among historians and archaeologists about the purpose and effectiveness of England's Great Wall. While some argue that the wall was an effective deterrent against Pictish invaders, others suggest that it was more of a symbolic statement of Roman power rather than a practical defensive structure.

To shed further light on the matter, we are introduced to a range of experts on Roman history and archaeology. We see them conduct excavations at various points along the wall, using modern technology to better understand the construction and function of the wall.

In conclusion, England's Great Wall may be less well known than other famous defensive structures, but it is nevertheless a fascinating and important part of the history of Roman Britain. This episode of History's Mysteries gives us a compelling and informative look at this little-known slice of British history.