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  • on-the-move
  1. Home
  2. On the move

On the move

The Roman Empire stretched from North Africa and Arabia in the south, to Britain in the north, and from Spain in the west, to Iran, Armenia and the Caucasus Mountains in the east.

Trading routes brought many travellers, objects, materials and exotic spices to Britain, transported by ship across the Mediterranean and by cart along the network of Roman roads, to be delivered to Vindolanda.

Some objects, which were made from woods not native to Britain at that time, were imported. Boxwood, grown in the Pyrenees in France and Spain, was used for many items as it was resistant to decay.

Larch, spruce and silver fir from the Alps were made into barrel staves, travelled to Britain and arrived at Vindolanda, having been emptied and refilled several times en route.



Turned Box

Turned Box

Smells can often invoke memories and something like pepper has a distinctive smell. Pepper was used in Roman times to add spice to their cooking. One item in the Vindolanda collection was found to contain a black substance probably black pepper. Imagine its journey from Asia to this edge of the Roman Empire. Read more

Published: 16th August, 2021

Updated: 1st December, 2021

Author: Anneke Hackenbroich

Wheel

Wheel

There must have some wheelwrights employed at Vindolanda. In 2014 Gary unearthed the rim of a wagon wheel still fitted with two spokes. Was it the wagon referred to in tablet 185. Axses carraries duos ad raedam (wagon axles two for a carriage). Read more

Published: 16th August, 2021

Updated: 2nd December, 2021

Author: Anneke Hackenbroich

Imported Combs

Imported Combs

The combs found at Vindolanda may have travelled many miles from Europe to this northern edge of the empire. Still recognisable today, Bea tells us about her connection with these beautiful objects. Read more

Published: 16th August, 2021

Updated: 1st December, 2021

Author: Anneke Hackenbroich

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Latest

  • Recruiting Collections Volunteers

    Recruiting Collections Volunteers

    We are looking for new collections volunteers to work with Vindolanda's Small Finds as part of the Creating Connection Project funded by the Arts Council England. Interested in applying? Find out more.

  • Youth Volunteering

    Youth Volunteering

    We are offering different opportunities for teenagers and young adults to volunteer at Vindolanda. Find out more about a short work experience at Vindolanda as well as the Vindolanda Youth Panel.

  • Staying Healthy at Vindolanda

    Staying Healthy at Vindolanda

    Explore the Roman world of medicine - how did the Romans stay healthy? Marcus the medicus takes you through the medical ideas of the Romans.

  • Ancient Graffiti Uncovered

    Ancient Graffiti Uncovered

    The latest Vindolanda discovery of an ancient carved stone with the image of a phallus and graffiti gives us a fascinating window into the emotions of someone in the 3rd century.

Most read

  • Tickets & Arrival Windows

    Tickets & Arrival Windows

    How to visit Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum and the Roman Army Museum. This page will take you through the new systems we have in place for visiting our sites, what is open and how to visit.

  • Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum

    Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum

    Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year.

  • Roman Army Museum

    Roman Army Museum

    Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Magna Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier.

  • Getting here

    Getting here

    How to find us no matter how you like to travel, make your journey as smooth as possible and enjoy more time with us.

  • Visitor Information

    Visitor Information

    Information and links to all you need to know about visiting our sites, Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum and the Roman Army Museum.

  • Ancient Graffiti Uncovered

    Ancient Graffiti Uncovered

    The latest Vindolanda discovery of an ancient carved stone with the image of a phallus and graffiti gives us a fascinating window into the emotions of someone in the 3rd century.

  • Booking and Visiting FAQ's

    Booking and Visiting FAQ's

    Have you got questions about what to expect when you arrive or how to book? Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page which answers some of our visitors most popular queries.

  • Work for us

    Work for us

    Find out about any opportunities to join the award winning teams at Vindolanda and the Roman Army Musuem.

  • Day Planner

    Day Planner

    This is a suggested day planner for your visit to Roman Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.

  • Luna, Moon Goddess

    Luna, Moon Goddess

    The ancient Roman moon goddess, Luna, derives her name from the Latin lucere, meaning ‘to shine’ and was seen not only as the divine embodiment of the moon but also the female counterpart of the sun, Sol.

Carved stone depicting mystery horseman uncovered.

Carved stone depicting mystery horseman uncovered.

A beautifully carved sandstone relief which depicts a naked male figure holding a spear stood in front of a horse/donkey has been uncovered during the annual excavations at the Roman fort of Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Read more

Published: 28th June, 2021

Updated: 13th May, 2022

Author: Sonya Galloway

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