Blog Post

Antonine Wall – Prehistoric Canals (Dykes)

Introduction

Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall

Linear earthworks such as dykes, Hadrian’s Wall (including the Vallum), and the Antonine Wall have long been interpreted as defensive structures or boundary markers by archaeologists. However, emerging evidence challenges these traditional views, suggesting these features may have functioned as prehistoric canals. By examining construction techniques, alignments, and environmental contexts, this groundbreaking research presents a compelling argument that these structures were engineered for water management and transport, reflecting sophisticated societal planning in ancient Britain.


A key focus is the East Wansdyke, which has been traditionally described as a defensive dyke. Comprehensive surveys reveal that its engineering—such as level gradients, excavation methods, and proximity to water sources—aligns more closely with canal systems than with military purposes. Using features like natural valleys and watercourses further strengthens the hypothesis that this and similar earthworks served as functional waterways, enabling efficient transport and trade across regions.

Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall


This re-evaluation extends to iconic features like Hadrian’s Wall and its associated Vallum. Traditionally misinterpreted as solely defensive, the Vallum is revealed through this research as a singular, cohesive structure, potentially integral to a water-based transport network rather than a mere boundary marker. Considering these features’ environmental context and engineering specifics, the research provides a unified interpretation of their original purpose, suggesting a sophisticated system for managing resources and enabling connectivity across ancient Britain.


The implications of this research are profound, not only for redefining the purpose of linear earthworks but also for understanding the societal and technological capabilities of ancient Britons. This work invites further debate and investigation by proposing a cohesive and evidence-backed theory, aiming to bridge gaps between traditional archaeology and scientific methodologies. It also highlights the need for a fresh approach to interpreting Britain’s prehistoric landscape—one grounded in innovation and a willingness to question long-held assumptions

Case Study – The Antonine Wall

It would be amiss if we did not look at the ‘other’ Roman wall in some detail as it is part of the great ‘enigma’. (Antonine Wall)

Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall

Wikipedia

The Antonine Wall, known to the Romans as Vallum Antonini, was a turf fortification on stone foundations built by the Romans across what is now the Central Belt of Scotland, between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde. Built some twenty years after Hadrian’s Wall to the south and intended to supersede it, while it was garrisoned, it was the northernmost frontier barrier of the Roman Empire. It spanned approximately 63 kilometres (39 miles) and was about 3 metres (10 feet) high and 5 metres (16 feet) wide. Lidar scans have been carried out to establish the length of the wall and the Roman distance units used.

 Security was bolstered by a deep ditch on the northern side. It is thought that there was a wooden palisade on top of the turf. The barrier was the second of two “great walls” created by the Romans in Great Britain in the second century AD. Its ruins are less evident than those of the better-known and longer Hadrian’s Wall to the south, primarily because the turf and wood wall has largely weathered away, unlike its stone-built southern predecessor.

Construction began in 142 AD at the order of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, and took about 12 years to complete. Antoninus Pius never visited Britain, whereas his predecessor Hadrian had done so. Pressure from the Caledonians may have led Antoninus to send the empire’s troops further north. The Antonine Wall was protected by 16 forts with small fortlets between them; troop movement was facilitated by a road linking all the sites known as the Military Way.

The soldiers who built the wall commemorated the construction and their struggles with the Caledonians with decorative slabs, twenty of which survive. The wall was abandoned only eight years after completion, and the garrisons relocated rearward to Hadrian’s Wall. Most of the wall and its associated fortifications have been destroyed over time, but some remains are visible. Many of these have come under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Grim’s Dyke

Wikipedia

In medieval histories, such as the chronicles of John of Fordun, the wall is called Gryme’s dyke. Fordun says that the name came from the grandfather of the imaginary king Eugenius son of Farquahar. This evolved over time into Graham’s dyke – a name still found in Bo’ness at the wall’s eastern end – and then linked with Clan Graham. Of note is that Graeme in some parts of Scotland is a nickname for the devil, and Gryme’s Dyke would thus be the Devil’s Dyke, mirroring the name of the Roman limes in Southern Germany often called ‘Teufelsmauer’. Grímr and Grim are bynames for Odin or Wodan, who might be credited with the wish to build earthworks in unreasonably short periods of time. This name is the same one found as Grim’s Ditch several times in England in connection with early ramparts: for example, near Wallingford, Oxfordshire or between Berkhamsted (Herts) and Bradenham (Bucks). Other names used by antiquarians include the Wall of Pius and the Antonine Vallum, after Antoninus Pius.

antonine Wall fort 2
Grimes Dyke – Antonine Wall

Our Research and LiDAR Investigation

The reality is that the exact dates and the reason for its construction are just as confused as Hadrian’s Wall, although (as shown) various theories offer explanations for the construction.

For the purpose of this book, we are only concerned with the construction process behind the Antonine Wall to see if it gives us clues to the structure of the Vallum, which seems to be of similar size and design, but looks as if it has been ‘reused’ in a lesser form and therefore giving us clues to how the original Vallum may have looked before it massively revamped?

We could (and might at a later date) look at the entire length of the Antoine Wall to obtain a more comprehensive analysis of the construction, but for this Case Study exercise, we will look at just one section, including a fortification.

Castlecary Fort Section (Antonine Wall)

The first thing to notice is that the ‘original’ prehistoric Dyke was there BEFORE the Roman ‘extension’ and connection with the fort.  We know it was a prehistoric Dyke as its path is far from ‘Straight’, unlike the Roman extension.

Castlecary Fort - Antonine Wall
Castlecary Fort – Antonine Wall
Castlecary Fort (LiDAR) - Antonine Wall
Castlecary Fort (LiDAR) – Antonine Wall
Antonine Wall
Figure 102 – Prehistoric Dyke (Antonine Wall)
Antonine Wall
Figure 103 – Roman Extension to Old Dyke (Antonine Wall)

 

This connection between the Antonine Wall and prehistoric Dykes is connected not only by the LiDAR maps but also by the historical names used for the Wall within the entire length of the Antonine Wall.

Antonine Wall
Castlecary (Antonine Wall)

(Antonine Wall)

Conclusion

The reinterpretation of linear earthworks, such as Hadrian’s Wall and its Vallum, alongside structures like the East Wansdyke, challenges traditional archaeological assumptions and offers a fresh perspective on prehistoric Britain. By viewing these features as potential prehistoric canals rather than purely defensive structures or boundary markers, this research highlights the advanced engineering capabilities and societal organisation of ancient Britons. These findings not only reshape our understanding of these iconic monuments but also call for a broader application of scientific methodologies in archaeology to uncover the true purpose of such structures.

For those interested in exploring this groundbreaking research further, more dykes and linear earthworks are investigated on my website, where detailed surveys and analyses continue to challenge outdated narratives. See below for links to additional blogs that delve into the engineering, societal context, and potential functionality of these fascinating prehistoric features. Together, let’s rethink the history of Britain’s landscape through evidence-based investigation and open dialogue.

Promotional Video Ancient Prehistoric Canals (Dykes) – The Vallum (The Antonine Wall)

Antonine Wall
Castlecary Fort – Antonine Wall

The Book

Antonine Wall
Ancient Prehistoric Canals (Dykes) Book – Antonine Wall

This was an extracts from the NEW Book Ancient Prehistoric Canals (Dykes) – Wansdyke available on Amazon as a FULL COLOUR HARD BACK (£49.95) or a ECONOMY (£9.99) SOFTBACK black and white VERSION – it is also available as a KINDLE (£2.99) book. For further information about our work on Prehistoric Britain visit our WEBSITE or VIDEO CHANNEL.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BN7PD6BS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (24 Nov. 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 477 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8358524187
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 3.33 x 22.86 cm
  • Illustrations: 350+

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives based on cutting-edge research, particularly using LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualizes my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp, also receive a re-evaluation based on LiDAR analysis in my posts Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time and Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to the topic of ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts including Car Dyke – ABC News PodCast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, suggesting a Mesolithic origin2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis which has helped to inform the landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes the astronomical insights of ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and extracts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books exploring Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, offering compelling evidence about ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

Other Blogs

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