Top Ten Surviving Ancient Roman Forts

Here are some of the surviving ancient Roman Forts most of which are located in Britain.

The Ancient Romans were known for their architectural prowess. Several Roman arches, aqueducts, amphitheaters are still in existence. The Romans also built numerous forts within the range of their empire some of which are still standing.

1.) Portus Adurni – Britain


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One of the best preserved Roman fortresses is the Portus Adurni. It was built in the Roman province of Britannia in the 3rd century to protect the southern coastline of Britain from Saxon raids. During the Medieval period, it was converted into a castle and was known as Porchester Castle. It is the oldest standing Roman fort north of the Alps. The fort has an area of 9 acre and the outer walls are 6 meters in height with 3 meters thickness and with a length of 200 meters.

2.) Arbeia – England


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Another Roman fort in Britain is Arbeia which stands on the Lawe Top and overlooks the River Tyne. This large fort is located in South Shields, Tyne and Wear in England. This Roman fort was constructed around 120 CE and was first excavated in the 1870s. All modern buildings on the site were cleared in the 1970s and the fort is now known as Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum. Arbeia contains the only permanent stone-built granaries found in Britain. This Roman fort was occupied until the Romans left Britain in the 5th century.>

3.) Saalburg – Germany

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The most completely reconstructed Roman fort in Germany is the Saalburg which is located on the Taunus ridge in Bad Homburg. This fort is part of the Upper German limes and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

4.) Mamucium – England


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Mamucium was a Roman fort built in Britannia around 79 CE. This fort which is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument is situated within the Castlefield area of Manchester City, England. The fort was garrisoned by a cohort of auxiliary soldiers and guarded the road running from Chester to York. It is also known as Mancunium.

5.) Caer Gybi – Britain

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Another Roman fort in Britain is Caer Gybi. This fortlet is located in Wales and stands at the core of Holyhead in the Anglesey County. It is one of Europe’s only three-walled Roman forts. It was built around 4th century CE to defend the west coast against Irish sea-raiders. This Roman fort was given to Saint Cybi in the 6th century and a monastery was founded. Today, the Church of St Cybi still stands on the site.

6.) Pons Aelius – Britain

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Pons Aelius is a Roman fort in Britannia and is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne, England. This fort and Roman settlement, which is also known as Newcastle Roman Fort, is located on the eastern end of the famous Hadrian’s Wall. The fort has an area of 1.5 acres with approximately 2000 population.

7.) Lunt Roman Fort – Britain

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The Lunt Roman Fort in the Roman province of Britannia is located just outside the city boundaries of Coventry, in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire County. It was discovered in the 1930s and excavations began in the 1960s. Some of its walls were reconstructed in the 1970s. Lunt Roman Fort is open to the public.

8.) Irgenhausen Castrum – Switzerland

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Irgenhausen Castrum is a Roman square fort located in Irgenhausen, Switzerland. It has an area of 60 m² with 4 corner towers and three additional towers. This Roman fort was constructed on the 25 meter tall Burglen hill in Pfaffikon, Zurich. It was built around the 3rd century CE.

9.) Deva Victrix – England

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Deva Victrix was a fort built by the Romans in Britain. This legionary fortress and town is located in Cheshire, England and was founded in the 70s CE it contained military headquarters, barracks, granaries and baths. It is also simply known as Deva.

10.) Eboracum – Britannia

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Eboracum was a fort and city in the Roman province of Britannia. It is located in York, North Yorkshire, England.

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