Another world behind the wall

One of Britain’s most iconic and spectacular tourist sites is Hadrian’s famous wall. It was the northern most perimeter of the World’s greatest empire, which stretched from Scotland to the Sahara and from the Atlantic to the Euphrates ruled over from AD117 to AD138 by Hadrian.

Now, The British Museum has unveiled another dimension to the great wall builder through a magnificent exhibition – entitled ‘Hadrian: Empire and Conflict’.

It reveals him not only as shrewd and ruthless leader but an extraordinarily canny politician.

Highlights of this fascinating exhibition include a marble hand, leg and foot – body parts from a colossal statue commemorating Hadrian’s great public image; Hadrian’s great public image; Hadrian in a Greek mantle – an enduring image of the emperor; Head of Antoninous, Hadrian’s lover; and ornate marble pillars from Hadrian’s villa.

The wall is, of course, viewable anytime through Ramblers Worldwide Holidays but the exhibition at the British Museum is essential visiting between 24 July – 26 October this year.

Hadrian’s Wall National Trail
Discover Roman secrets along this World Heritage Site – 7 nights £619 per person Starting just west of Heddon on the Wall and finishing at Bowness on the Solway Firth. The price includes, half-board accommodation at Battlesteads Hotel, Wark, Nr Hexham (4 nights) and The Crown & Mitre Hotel, Carlisle (3 nights) and the services of a tour leader. Local transportation to and from trailheads is available, if necessary. Nearest railway / bus stations : Hexham – start of holiday (11 miles). Carlisle – end of holiday (quarter of a mile).

For more information, visit Ramblerscountrywide.co.uk.