Ardoch Roman Fort, Roman military earthworks in Braco, Scotland
Ardoch Roman Fort is an ancient Roman military fortification in Braco, Scotland, with a rectangular layout spanning two hectares. The site displays multiple defensive ditches and ramparts, with some of the earthworks still standing at heights of around two meters.
The fort was first built during the Flavian period and later reconstructed twice during the Antonine era as Roman military strategy evolved. These overlapping phases of construction reveal how the fort adapted to changing defensive needs across different occupation periods.
The site served as a spiritual focal point when a medieval chapel was built inside the fort, and local people continued to use the ground for burials long after the Roman soldiers left.
The site is privately owned but generally accessible to visitors during daylight hours without restriction. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the ground is uneven and can become muddy depending on recent weather.
Excavations from 1896 revealed barracks built in both stone and timber, showing how construction methods changed between different occupation phases. This evidence demonstrates that Romans modified and adapted their structures as the fort served different military purposes over time.
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