Ep 12. Rome's Great Wall

In the season 6 episode 12 of Unearthed, titled "Rome's Great Wall," the series explores the history and fascinating remnants of the ancient Roman Empire's border defense system.

Throughout the world, people are familiar with the Great Wall of China, but little is known about the great wall that once existed in Rome. Built to keep out invading forces, Rome's Great Wall was a complex system of fortifications, watchtowers, and walls that stretched for thousands of miles along the empire's northern border.

From the height of the Roman Empire in AD 117 to Rome's ultimate collapse in the 4th century, the Great Wall was a vital mechanism for staving off the empire's enemies from crossing into Roman territory. Today, only fragments of the wall remain, but they offer crucial insights into the technology, ingenuity, and sheer scale of the project.

Unearthed takes viewers on a journey through time, as they explore the construction of the Great Wall, the political motivations behind its creation, and the dangers that Rome faced from its northern neighbors. With the help of experts and historians, the episode delves into the material and tactical strategies that made the wall successful, from the incorporation of natural barriers like rivers to the use of massive stone blocks in the fortification walls.

As viewers are taken through the remnants of the Great Wall, the episode also showcases the tools, machines, and personnel used in constructing and maintaining the wall. The show provides an in-depth look at how the Romans utilized sophisticated construction techniques, cutting-edge materials, and hand-crafted tools to keep their empire secure.

Unearthed also examines the geopolitical shifts that shaped the wall's construction. Viewers learn how the construction of the Great Wall was truly a product of its time – a period of heavy expansion and political upheaval. The episode explores the relationship between the Roman Empire and its northern neighbors, the struggles and rivalries within the empire, and the complex power dynamics that led to the building of Rome's Great Wall.

At its core, "Rome's Great Wall" offers a fascinating exploration of ancient architecture, engineering, and politics. The episode offers incredible insights into the world of the Romans, who constructed one of the most impressive systems of border defense in history. As viewers are taken through the ruins of the wall, they gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the Romans as they sought to maintain a vast and powerful empire in the face of formidable foes.