Rough Castle Fort, Roman fort near Bonnybridge, Scotland
Rough Castle is a Roman fort positioned along the Antonine Wall, the empire's most northerly defensive line in Britain. The remains of barracks, administrative buildings, and storage structures are still visible, showing how the garrison was laid out nearly 2,000 years ago.
The site was built around 142 CE as part of the Roman frontier expansion under Antoninus Pius. The garrison was eventually abandoned as Rome adjusted its military strategy and moved the border further south.
The fort functioned as a Roman military outpost marking the empire's reach into northern Britain. You can walk around the remains and see where soldiers were housed, where commanders made decisions, and where supplies were stored.
The site is open year-round and free to visit, with clear walking paths throughout the grounds. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be muddy or uneven depending on recent weather.
The northern entrance still shows shallow pits where Roman soldiers embedded sharpened stakes as a defensive trap. This detail reveals how frontier forces used simple but effective tactics to protect against attacks.
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