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World-class walls

Built in the 2nd century A.D. by the occupying Roman army in what is now northern England, this stone-and-turf structure ran 80 miles west to east to keep the "barbarian" Picts and Brigantes out of the south. The wall, as tall as 18 feet, was named for the Roman emperor who suggested it. For nearly 300 years, it was maintained and patrolled by soldiers from Spain, North Africa and central Europe. Polyglot towns sprouted to support the military zone. Remains, even some turrets and customs gates, still sprinkle Northumberland and other English counties.

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