Letters from the Edge of the Empire: A Soldier's Life on Hadrian's Wall
November 12, AD 142
The wind howling off the northern wastes has a bite that penetrates even the thickest wool of my heavy cloak. Today, my century was assigned to patrol the battlements near Milecastle 37. From the stone rampart, the landscape stretches out like a rumpled grey blanket, punctuated only by craggy ridges and the endless, undulating line of our wall. Back in Rome, my cousin writes of sunny forums and mild autumn breezes, but here at the edge of the empire, winter has already claimed the land. My fingers were so stiff from the damp chill that I could barely grip the shaft of my spear. We marched back and forth along the parapet, keeping a sharp eye on the mist-shrouded hills to the north. The Caledonians have been quiet lately, but the Centurion insists that complacency is our greatest enemy. "The wall is only as strong as the eyes watching from it," he constantly reminds us.
November 14, AD 142
- Centurion:
- A professional officer in the ancient Roman army who commanded a group of about 80 to 100 soldiers.
- Hypocaust:
- An ancient Roman central heating system that circulated hot air under the floor of a room.
- Milecastle:
- A small fort or guard post built at intervals of approximately one Roman mile along Hadrian's Wall.
- Brazier:
- A portable metal container for holding burning coals, used for heating or cooking.
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- 1Where was the soldier's century assigned to patrol on November 12, AD 142?
- 2What does the soldier's cousin in Rome write about in his letters?
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About this diary entry passage for Middle School
“Letters from the Edge of the Empire: A Soldier's Life on Hadrian's Wall” is a diary entry reading passage about Roman Britain and Hadrian's Wall, written for Middle School. It takes about 3 minutes to read (443 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.