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For hundreds of years, all of England and Wales were part of the Roman Empire (along with parts of Scotland for shorter periods). As the Romans didn't control all the northern parts of the island (today's Scotland), they maintained a number of forts in northern England. One of the most famous and open to the public today is the Arbeia Roman Fort.

The most impressive Roman structure in northern England is Hadrian's Wall (parts of which are visible today). Roman ruins can be found all over England today - including in London, which used to be the old Roman town of Londinium. One of the most famous Roman attractions in Britain today is the old Roman baths at Bath, England.

History Of England's Great Roman Fort Of Arbeia

The Roman Fort of Arbeia was built during the reign of Hadrian in the Second Century (Hadrian was the emperor who built the famous Hadrian's Wall). The fort was built just four miles from the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall of Segedunum (Wallsend). The fort would have guarded a small seaport that was the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. It overlooks the mouth of the River Tyne and had the only permanent stone-built granaries found in Britain.

  • Built: Around AD 160
  • Garrison: Around 600

For hundreds of years, the Romans occupied the fort from when it was built in around AD 160 to when they left Britain in the 5th century.

The name is an interesting one. "Arbeia" means the "fort of the Arab troops." This is because, at one time, some of its garrison troops hailed from Mesopotamian. They were a squadron of Mesopotamian boatmen from the River Tigris (today's southeastern Turkey and Iraq).

There was also a squadron of Spanish cavalry garrisoned there. It would have had a garrison of around 600 Roman troops. Arbeia was built by the Six Legion. Learn more about its garrisons in Roman Britain.

The fort was also the headquarters for the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus when he invaded Caledonia (today's Scotland). Travel deep into Scotland, and one can find the earthen Antonine Wall that marked the northernmost extent of the Roman Empire for a time.

Related: This Roman Palace In England Is The Largest North Of The Alps

The Roman Fort Of Arbeia Has Britain's Best Roman Reconstructions

The West Gate of the fort was reconstructed in 1986 and helps people to get a feeling and impression of what the Roman fort would once have been like. In total, a Roman gatehouse, barracks, and Commanding Officer's house has been reconstructed right one their original foundations.

Reconstructions At Arbeia:

  • Roman Gatehouse
  • Roman Barracks
  • Commanding Officer's House

These full-scale Roman reconstructions are some of the best England has to offer. The museum showcases some of the most significant finds from the fort. The museum and excavated fort bring Roman Britain to life. They hope visitors comprehend how, in its day, Arbeia was a huge supply base for the Roman army and a large fort.

Related: Did You Know Wales Boasts Some Of Britain's Best Roman Ruins?

Planning A Visit To Arbeia Today

Today the fort is part of the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, and its gate has been reconstructed. The Arbeia fort was first excavated in the 1870s, with all the modern buildings on the site being removed in the 1970s. Today it is one of the most impressive Roman forts to explore in Britain.

  • Closed: 3 October to 27 March 2023
  • Admission: Free

Admission to the archeological site and the museum is free.

Take A Wintertime Candlelit Tour

One fun way to explore the Fort of Arbeia is with a winter Candlelit tour. The Candlelit tours are to be held on December 10th and only cost £6.50 ($8.00) per ticket. Bookings are required, and it is not advised for children under the age of 12.

  • Times: 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm
  • Cost: £6.50 ($8.00)

On the tour, visitors learn how the Romans lighted up their homes at the fort. After the tour, enjoy light refreshments, including hot drinks and mince pies.

There are also a variety of events and displays held at the fort seasonally, including gladiator battles, falconry displays, Roman re-enactments, storytelling, and more. Check their calendar to see what's on. Perhaps the best place to see Roman re-enactments is the annual "Great Roman Games" held in an actual Roman amphitheater in France.