Hadrian’s Wall regulates trade and movement rather than repelling massive military invasions

Evidence

the vallum effectively allowed the Romans to control any traffic through the wall-zone, levy taxes on goods, and monitor barbarian toing and froing; the whole system divided the still unsettled Brigantes to the south from the Novantae, Selgovae and Votadini to the north; it brought changes in traditional pasture lands; on the east–west axis it provided a fortified roadway across the province; the towers provided elevated observation points; and the forts were excellent bases from which to sally northwards in force. — Stephen Kershaw, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, 957

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Stephen Kershaw, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, 957
• XREF: connects to: Auxiliary cavalry rather than legionary infantry garrisoned Hadrian’s Wall — Stephen Kershaw, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, 957; Ostracism, not state force, enforced medieval merchant law — PAUL R. MILGRO, PAUL R. MILGRO - THE ROLE OF…, 31

Library Connections

• Auxiliary cavalry rather than legionary infantry garrisoned Hadrian’s Wall #expands (0.60) — Stephen Kershaw, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, 957