Mais (Bowness): Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Roman fort in Cumbria, England}} |
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{{infobox UK feature |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} |
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|official_name = Mais |
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{{Infobox castrum |
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|shire_county/state = Cumbria |
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|image = The main street and road junction, Bowness on Solway - geograph.org.uk - 86243.jpg |
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|country = England |
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|caption = Village centre of Bowness-on-Solway, and site of Maia |
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|nation = UK |
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|name = Maia |
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|map_name = Cumbria |
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|alt_names = |
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|static_image = |
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|known_as = [[Bowness-on-Solway]] |
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|static_image_caption = |
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|built_during_reign_of = |
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|static_image_2 = |
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|founded = |
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|static_image_caption_2 = |
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|abandoned = |
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|os_grid_reference = NY225625 |
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|attested_by = |
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|latitude = 54.951 |
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|previous_fortification = |
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|longitude = -3.212 |
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|type = |
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|robust_struct_material = |
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|robust_struct_built_during_reign_of = |
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|robust_struct_built = |
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|robust_struct_abandoned = |
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|robust_struct_dim1 = |
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|robust_struct_dim2 = |
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|robust_struct_area = |
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|robust_struct_shape = |
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|robust_struct_thickness = |
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|robust_struct_technique = |
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|robust_struct_towers = |
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|weak_struct_material = |
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|weak_struct_built_during_reign_of = |
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|weak_struct_built = |
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|weak_struct_abandoned = |
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|weak_struct_dim1 = |
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|weak_struct_dim2 = |
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|weak_struct_area = |
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|weak_struct_shape = |
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|weak_struct_thickness = |
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|weak_struct_technique = |
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|weak_struct_towers = |
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|commanders = |
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|legions = |
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|cohorts = |
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|alae = |
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|classis = |
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|numberi = |
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|events = |
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|province = |
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|capital_of = |
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|admin_unit_1 = |
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|admin_unit_2 = |
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|limes = |
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|nearby_water = |
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|links = |
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|coordinates = {{coord|54.951|-3.212|display=inline,title}} |
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|altitude_m = |
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|altitude_ref = |
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|map = Cumbria |
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|map_alt = <!-- Alternative text for map, see WP:ALT for details --> |
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|map_caption = Location in [[Cumbria]] |
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|map_size = <!-- Width of map image, overrides default of 250 --> |
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|map_relief = <!-- Any non-blank value to display relief map, if available --> |
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|place_name = |
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|location_town = [[Bowness-on-Solway]] |
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|location_county = Cumbria |
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|location_state = |
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|location_country = England |
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|ref:UK:OSNG = NY223626 |
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|ref:RO:LMI = |
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|ref:RO:RAN = |
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|ref:UNESCO = |
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|coins_found = |
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|discovery_year = |
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|condition = |
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|controlled_by = |
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|excavations = |
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|archaeologists = |
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|exhibitions = |
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|website = |
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|notes = |
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|commons = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Maia''', or '''Mais''', (with the modern name of [[Bowness-on-Solway]]) in [[Cumbria]], [[England]] was a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] [[castra|fort]] on [[Hadrian's Wall]], and was the last (or first) fort at the western end of the Wall, overlooking the [[Solway Firth]]. |
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==Name== |
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'''Mais''', or '''Maia''', (with the modern name of '''Bowness on Solway''') in [[Cumbria]], [[England]] was a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] [[castra|fort]] on [[Hadrian's Wall]], and was the last fort at the western end of the Wall. |
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The ''[[Ravenna Cosmography]]'' gives the name of the fort as ''Maia'', and the [[Rudge Cup]], the [[Rudge Cup#Amiens Skillet|Amiens Skillet]] and the [[Staffordshire Moorlands Pan]] give the name as ''Mais''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Graham|first=Frank|title=The Roman Wall: comprehensive history and guide|year=1979|page=183|isbn=0-85983-140-X}}</ref> Another name ''Maio'' appears a little earlier in the ''Ravenna Cosmography'' which may well be the same fort.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Breeze|first1=David J|last2=Dobson|first2=Brian|title=Hadrian's Wall|year=2000|publisher=Penguin|isbn=0140271821}}</ref> The fort is not mentioned in the ''[[Notitia Dignitatum]]''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Parker|first=Philip|title=The Empire Stops Here: A Journey Along the Frontiers of the Roman World|year=2010|page=34|publisher=Pimlico|isbn=1845950038}}</ref> The name ''Maia'' means "The Larger".<ref name="richcraw">{{cite journal|doi=10.1017/S0261340900009528|title=I.—The British Section of the Ravenna Cosmography|journal=Archaeologia|volume=93|pages=1|year=2011|last1=Richmond|first1=I. A.|last2=Crawford|first2=O. G. S.}}</ref> The fort was (by a small margin) the second largest fort on Hadrian's Wall. The largest fort was [[Petriana|Uxelodunum]], not far distant at [[Stanwix]] in [[Carlisle]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wilmott|first=Tony|title=Hadrian's Wall: Archaeological research by English Heritage|year=2013|page=407|publisher=English Heritage|isbn=1848021585}}</ref> |
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The [[Notitia Dignitatum]] does not mention the fort at Bowness on Solway, but the [[Ravenna Cosmography]] gives the name of the fort as 'Maia', and the [[Rudge Cup]] gives the name as 'Mais'. It is thought that the fort was called 'Maia' meaning 'The Larger' because it was the second largest fort on the Wall. However there is also a possibility that the fort was named after the Greek and Roman goddess [[Maia (mythology)|Maia]]. |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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The fort |
The fort stood on a sea-cliff over {{convert|50|ft|0}} high, rising steeply from the shore, and commanding lower ground in all directions. The name 'Bowness' means 'rounded headland', indicating the good position of the fort, having commanding views of the nearby coastline. It was built over the site of the [[Milecastle 80|eightieth]] [[milecastle]]. |
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The fort was originally built with a turf and clay rampart, similar to the |
The fort was originally built with a turf and clay rampart, similar to the [[Hadrian's Wall#Turf Wall|Turf Wall]] in that area, but when the Wall was rebuilt in stone, the fort was also rebuilt in stone. |
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The fort is believed to have measured {{convert|710|ft|-1}} by {{convert|420|ft|-1}}, covering about {{convert|7|acre|m2}}. It is the second largest fort on the Wall, after [[Stanwix]] ([[Petriana]]). The Wall approached the fort from the east, joining it at the north-east corner. The Wall continued on from the north-west corner, and from there it is uncertain where it went. Old inhabitants reported that, {{convert|250|yd|m}} west of the fort a large quantity of stone was dug out of the beach. This may be an indication that the Wall was taken down to the low-tide mark, as it was at [[Segedunum]], at the eastern end of the Wall. |
The fort is believed to have measured {{convert|710|ft|-1}} by {{convert|420|ft|-1}}, covering about {{convert|7|acre|m2}}. It is the second largest fort on the Wall, after [[Stanwix]] ([[Petriana|Uxelodunum]]). The Wall approached the fort from the east, joining it at the north-east corner. The Wall continued on from the north-west corner, and from there it is uncertain where it went. Old inhabitants reported that, {{convert|250|yd|m}} west of the fort a large quantity of stone was dug out of the beach. This may be an indication that the Wall was taken down to the low-tide mark, as it was at [[Segedunum]], at the eastern end of the Wall. |
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Over the years the cliff face has been eroded, and the north wall of the fort collapsed into the sea long ago. The fort had three gates, east, west and south. The east and west gates were where the modern road enters and exits the village. There was seemingly no need for a north gate as the north wall was on the cliff-tops, unless it was for bringing in sea-borne supplies. But it there was a north gate, it has long since crumbled away. |
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{{RomanMilitary}} |
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Over the years the cliff face has been eroded, and the north wall of the fort collapsed into the sea long ago. The fort had three gates, east, west and south. There was no need for a north gate as the north wall was on the cliff-tops. |
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A civilian settlement, or [[Vicus (Rome)|vicus]], existed south of the fort lining the road to [[Kirkbride, Cumbria|Kirkbride]], and this was occupied well into the fourth century. |
A civilian settlement, or [[Vicus (Rome)|vicus]], existed south of the fort lining the road to the fort at [[Kirkbride, Cumbria|Kirkbride]], and this was occupied well into the fourth century. |
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==Garrison== |
==Garrison== |
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[[File:Pavilion at the start and end of the Hadrian's Wall Path at Bowness, Cumberland - geograph-2884530.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Pavilion at the west end of the modern [[Hadrian's Wall Path]]]] |
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[[File:Kastellplan Maia, Bowness, 19. Jhdt..png|thumb|upright=1.2|Plan of the fort overlaid on a map of [[Bowness-on-Solway|Bowness]] from 1857. Since then the coast has eroded]] |
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Little is known of the garrison, but its third-century commander was a [[tribune]], indicating that it was probably a thousand-strong (military) cohort of infantry, perhaps part-mounted. |
Little is known of the garrison, but its third-century commander was a [[tribune]], indicating that it was probably a thousand-strong (military) cohort of infantry, perhaps part-mounted. |
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==Excavations== |
==Excavations== |
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When the site was excavated in 1930, the southern rampart was uncovered and the west gate was located. In 1967, further excavations found the western rampart. In 1973 more extensive excavations were carried out, and traces of the original turf and clay western rampart were found, as well as evidence of a timber gate-tower. |
When the site was excavated in 1930, the southern rampart was uncovered and the west gate was located. In 1967, further excavations found the western rampart. In 1973 more extensive excavations were carried out, and traces of the original turf and clay western rampart were found, as well as evidence of a timber gate-tower. |
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==Notes== |
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{{reflist}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* J. Collingwood Bruce, Roman Wall (1863), Harold Hill & Son, ISBN |
* J. Collingwood Bruce, Roman Wall (1863), Harold Hill & Son, {{ISBN|0-900463-32-5}} |
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* Frank Graham, The Roman Wall, Comprehensive History and Guide (1979), {{ISBN|0-85983-140-X}} |
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* Frank Graham, The Roman Wall, Comprehensive History and Guide (1979), Frank Graham, ISBN 0 85983 140 X |
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* http://www.roman-britain.org/places/maia.htm |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Maia Roman Fort}} |
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*[https://www.roman-britain.co.uk/places/bowness/ Maia at www.Roman-Britain.co.uk] |
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*[http://www.iromans.co.uk/bowness-solway iRomans] Selection of objects from Mais within Tullie House Museums collection |
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{{Hadrian's Wall forts}} |
{{Hadrian's Wall forts}} |
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[[Category:Roman sites in Cumbria]] |
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[[Category:Forts of Hadrian's Wall]] |
[[Category:Forts of Hadrian's Wall]] |
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[[Category:Roman |
[[Category:Roman fortifications in England]] |
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[[Category:Former populated places in |
[[Category:Former populated places in Cumbria]] |
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Latest revision as of 15:33, 1 July 2023
| Maia | |
|---|---|
 Village centre of Bowness-on-Solway, and site of Maia | |
  Location in Cumbria | |
| Known also as | Bowness-on-Solway |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 54°57′04″N 3°12′43″W / 54.951°N 3.212°W |
| Town | Bowness-on-Solway |
| County | Cumbria |
| Country | England |
| Reference | |
| UK-OSNG reference | NY223626 |
Maia, or Mais, (with the modern name of Bowness-on-Solway) in Cumbria, England was a Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall, and was the last (or first) fort at the western end of the Wall, overlooking the Solway Firth.
Name
[edit]The Ravenna Cosmography gives the name of the fort as Maia, and the Rudge Cup, the Amiens Skillet and the Staffordshire Moorlands Pan give the name as Mais.[1] Another name Maio appears a little earlier in the Ravenna Cosmography which may well be the same fort.[2] The fort is not mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum.[3] The name Maia means "The Larger".[4] The fort was (by a small margin) the second largest fort on Hadrian's Wall. The largest fort was Uxelodunum, not far distant at Stanwix in Carlisle.[5]
Description
[edit]The fort stood on a sea-cliff over 50 feet (15 m) high, rising steeply from the shore, and commanding lower ground in all directions. The name 'Bowness' means 'rounded headland', indicating the good position of the fort, having commanding views of the nearby coastline. It was built over the site of the eightieth milecastle.
The fort was originally built with a turf and clay rampart, similar to the Turf Wall in that area, but when the Wall was rebuilt in stone, the fort was also rebuilt in stone.
The fort is believed to have measured 710 feet (220 m) by 420 feet (130 m), covering about 7 acres (28,000 m2). It is the second largest fort on the Wall, after Stanwix (Uxelodunum). The Wall approached the fort from the east, joining it at the north-east corner. The Wall continued on from the north-west corner, and from there it is uncertain where it went. Old inhabitants reported that, 250 yards (230 m) west of the fort a large quantity of stone was dug out of the beach. This may be an indication that the Wall was taken down to the low-tide mark, as it was at Segedunum, at the eastern end of the Wall.
Over the years the cliff face has been eroded, and the north wall of the fort collapsed into the sea long ago. The fort had three gates, east, west and south. The east and west gates were where the modern road enters and exits the village. There was seemingly no need for a north gate as the north wall was on the cliff-tops, unless it was for bringing in sea-borne supplies. But it there was a north gate, it has long since crumbled away.
A civilian settlement, or vicus, existed south of the fort lining the road to the fort at Kirkbride, and this was occupied well into the fourth century.
Garrison
[edit]
Little is known of the garrison, but its third-century commander was a tribune, indicating that it was probably a thousand-strong (military) cohort of infantry, perhaps part-mounted.
Excavations
[edit]When the site was excavated in 1930, the southern rampart was uncovered and the west gate was located. In 1967, further excavations found the western rampart. In 1973 more extensive excavations were carried out, and traces of the original turf and clay western rampart were found, as well as evidence of a timber gate-tower.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Graham, Frank (1979). The Roman Wall: comprehensive history and guide. p. 183. ISBN 0-85983-140-X.
- ^ Breeze, David J; Dobson, Brian (2000). Hadrian's Wall. Penguin. ISBN 0140271821.
- ^ Parker, Philip (2010). The Empire Stops Here: A Journey Along the Frontiers of the Roman World. Pimlico. p. 34. ISBN 1845950038.
- ^ Richmond, I. A.; Crawford, O. G. S. (2011). "I.—The British Section of the Ravenna Cosmography". Archaeologia. 93: 1. doi:10.1017/S0261340900009528.
- ^ Wilmott, Tony (2013). Hadrian's Wall: Archaeological research by English Heritage. English Heritage. p. 407. ISBN 1848021585.
References
[edit]- J. Collingwood Bruce, Roman Wall (1863), Harold Hill & Son, ISBN 0-900463-32-5
- Frank Graham, The Roman Wall, Comprehensive History and Guide (1979), ISBN 0-85983-140-X
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Maia Roman Fort.
Forts and structures of Hadrian's Wall | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wall Forts (East to West) |   | |
| Outpost Forts | ||
| Stanegate Forts |
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| Supply Forts | ||
| Cumbrian Coast Forts (North to South) |
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| Milecastles | ||
| Milefortlets | ||
| Other structures on Hadrian's Wall | ||
| Regular and linear features | ||