This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Antonine Wall to be World Heritage Site?
21/02/2003
The Antonine Wall has been nominated to become a World
Heritage Site as part of an initiative involving three
other European countries.
Scotland,
Austria, Germany and Slovakia have all signalled their
intention to nominate local sections of the
Roman occupation for World Heritage Status.
The United Nations Education, Science and Culture
Organisation (UNESCO) is looking at a proposal to take
forward the separate nominations under one name 'European
Frontiers of the Roman Empire'.
This is the first time there has been a multi-country
bid made for World Heritage status. If the
European proposal is successful it is hoped that the
African and Asian nations with Roman frontiers would seek
inclusion.
Deputy Culture Minister Elaine Murray said:
"This is excellent news for the Antonine Wall, the best
preserved frontier in the whole Roman Empire after
Hadrian's Wall.
"It is remarkable that these earthworks, constructed
some 2,000 years ago, have survived so well. World Heritage
Site status should ensure their survival for many years to
come and emphasise the history we share with our European
neighbours.
"Scotland's wealth of culture is a major draw for
tourism, our biggest industry. Our world class natural and
culture heritage is essential in maintaining and improving
our share of the tourism market, and we are committed to
ensuring it remains in good condition and receives the
recognition it deserves."
The Antonine Wall stretches from Old Kirkpatrick on the
Clyde to Bo'ness on the Forth and is 37 miles in
length.
It was built on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius
following the re-conquest of Southern Scotland by his army
in 140-142 A.D.
The 'wall' consists of a turf rampart on a stone base,
fronted by a wide and deep ditch. Forts linked by a road,
were built at roughly two-mile intervals. The Antonine Wall
was only occupied for a generation, being abandoned soon
after 160 A.D. About two-thirds of the Wall survives today,
the rest has been lost to housing, factories and roads.
Four miles of
the Antonine Wall and four forts are in the care of
Scottish Ministers and looked after by Historic
Scotland.
Scotland currently has four World Heritage Sites (WHS).
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, St Kilda Archipelago,
Edinburgh Old and New Towns, and New Lanark.
Hadrian's Wall in England is already a World Heritage
Site designated in 1988. There are only 600 WHSs across the
world.