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The Antonine Wall Distance Slabs: A Critical Overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 December 2025

William S. Hanson  and
Roger S. O. Tomlin
William S. Hanson*
Affiliation:
University of Glasgow
Roger S. O. Tomlin
Affiliation:
University of Oxford
*
Corresponding author: William S. Hanson; Email: william.hanson@glasgow.ac.uk
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Abstract

This paper seeks to summarise and critique aspects of our understanding of the famous monumental building inscriptions from the Antonine Wall, traditionally known as the distance slabs. It addresses the following themes: uniqueness; positioning; audience and message; disposal; units of measurement; records of distance; allocation of labour; order of construction; advance preparation; and location of the eastern terminus. It draws attention to some misconceptions and misinterpretations, and offers some new insights.

Keywords

Antonine Walldistance slabsbuilding records

Information

Type
Articles
Information
Britannia , Volume 56 , November 2025 , pp. 57 - 81
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies.

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