The Gateway to an Empire

It would have taken the Ala II Asturum, the Spanish cavalry unit stationed at Chesters Fort (Cilurnum) on Hadrian’s Wall, to travel from Asturia in northern Spain to northern Britain between 2 to 3 months allowing for stops, good weather and a favourable sea crossing. It would have possibly taken foot soldiers an extra 2 months to cover that distance. It took us just 10 minutes from out campsite.

Chesters Fort is the furthest north of the Hadrians Walls many access points. What I have Blipped is the North Gate, the entrance to the Roman Empire. The two squares are the East and West Towers either side of double doors that kept the troublesome Scots out.

What is on show is well presented and includes a bathhouse just outside the fort walls. It is thought it was a fire risk to have it too close to the horses etc.

It was a bright dry morning just right for a visit to a Roman fort. It has poured with rain all afternoon…

I used SnapSeed to add a little grunge.