Normandykes facts for kids
Normandykes is the name of an ancient Roman camp. It is located about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) southwest of Peterculter. This area is near the City of Aberdeen in Scotland.
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Normandykes: A Roman Camp in Scotland
Normandykes was a large Roman marching camp. Roman soldiers used these camps when they were on long journeys. They would build them quickly for protection overnight. This camp was almost rectangular in shape. It measured about 860 meters (940 yards) long and 510 meters (560 yards) wide. The camp covered roughly 43 hectares (106 acres) of land.
Where is Normandykes Located?
The camp was built on the top and eastern side of a hill. From this spot, the Romans could see the River Dee below. They could also see the B9077 road further south. This high position gave them a good view of the surrounding area. It was a strategic place for a temporary camp.
Exploring the Past: Discovering Normandykes
People have studied Normandykes for many years. Aerial photographs of the site were taken between 1947 and 1976. These pictures helped archaeologists see the camp's outlines from above. The first time the site was dug up by archaeologists was in 1935. This work was done by researchers named Richmond and MacIntyre. They helped us learn more about this ancient Roman place.
When Was Normandykes Built?
Experts believe Normandykes was built a long time ago. It might have been constructed during the Antonine period. This was when Roman emperors like Antoninus Pius ruled. Or, it could have been built during the Severan period. This was when emperors from the Severan family were in charge. Both periods were important times for the Roman Empire in Britain.
Why Was This Location Chosen?
Normandykes was about 9.7 kilometers (6 miles) north of another Roman camp called Raedykes. This distance was less than half a day's march for Roman soldiers. The route they took was probably chosen very carefully. They likely wanted to avoid a large, wet area called the Red Moss. This bog was almost impossible to cross. Choosing the right path was very important for Roman armies on the move.
Normandykes Today
Today, Normandykes is a protected historical site. It is known as a scheduled ancient monument. This means it is a very important archaeological site. It is protected by law to make sure it is preserved for future generations.
