Auchendavy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Auchendavy |
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View of the Campsie Fells from near Auchendavy Fort
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| Founded during the reign of | Antoninus Pius |
| Place in the Roman world | |
| Province | Britannia |
| Stationed military units | |
| — Legions — | |
| 20th 2nd |
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| Location | |
| Coordinates | 55°56′57″N 4°07′10″W / 55.94917°N 4.11944°W |
| County | East Dunbartonshire |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
Auchendavy was an important Roman fort in Scotland. It was part of the Antonine Wall, a huge barrier built by the Romans. Sadly, much of the old fort was damaged when the Forth and Clyde Canal was built. This canal was built right through the ancient site.
The fort was located between Bar Hill and Balmuildy. The Antonine Wall generally followed the southern bank of the River Kelvin here. You can find the site north of Kirkintilloch. Today, it looks like a small mound between the canal and the main road.
Sir George Macdonald, a famous archaeologist, wrote about digging up the site. He noted that many ancient items were found at Auchendavy. These finds included things from the fort itself and nearby areas. For example, several old tombstones were found at Shirva Farm in Twechar.
Life at Auchendavy Fort
Roman forts along the Antonine Wall usually held about 500 soldiers. Some larger forts, like Castlecary, could house around 1000 men. Even though soldiers were not allowed to marry, women and children likely lived near the forts. There were probably also large communities of civilians living around the fort. These people would have supported the soldiers and traded with them.
Ancient Roman Altars
Many interesting altars were found at Auchendavy. A Roman officer named Marcus Cocceius Firmus dedicated as many as five of these altars. He was a soldier from the Second Augusta Legion.
- An altar made of sandstone was found south-west of the fort. It was dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods, and Victory, the goddess of triumph.
- Another altar was dedicated to Silvanus, the Roman god of forests and wild lands.
- A sandstone altar was also found that honored the "Presiding Spirit of the Land of Britain." This shows how the Romans respected local spirits.
- An altar dedicated to Diana, the goddess of hunting, and Apollo, the god of music and light, was also discovered.
- Finally, an altar to Mars, the god of war, was found. This altar also honored other gods and goddesses. These included Minerva (goddess of wisdom), parade-ground goddesses, Hercules (a hero known for his strength), Epona (a goddess of horses), and Victory.
Other Discoveries
Archaeologists found many other interesting items at Auchendavy.
- Distance Slabs: A special stone called a distance slab was found. It was made by the 20th Legion Valiant. These slabs marked how much of the wall a specific legion had built.
- Sculpture: A piece of a male statue, just a torso, was also discovered.
- Coins: Old coins were found, including a gold solidus from the time of Emperor Trajan.
- Weapons: More than fifty "ballista bullets" were uncovered. These were large stone projectiles fired from a Roman war machine called a ballista, similar to a giant crossbow.
- Tools: Two iron mallets, which are types of hammers, were also found.
Many other ancient items have been found at Shirva, which is a place very close to Twechar.
Images for kids
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View from the air above Auchendavy towards Shirva, Twechar and the Firth of Forth
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Map showing the forts and smaller fortlets along the Antonine Wall from west to east.
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