08/07/2008 02:24:00
UNESCO has awarded World Heritage status to an ancient Roman wall that stretches across Scotland's central belt, the BBC reports.
The Antonine Wall, which takes its name from Emperor Antoninus Pius, was constructed in 142 AD and covered 27 miles between Bo'ness in West Lothian to Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire.
It was built by the Romans to impede the advance of Caledonian tribes into southern Scotland and was occupied for around 20 years before the Romans retreated to Hadrian's Wall, which straddled northern England.
The wall was put forward for World Heritage status in January last year in a bid supported by the five local authorities in west and central Scotland, and on July 7 was given the status at a UNESCO summit in Canada.
The wall once stood at 12 feet tall and featured 19 forts and, though sections of the fortification have been destroyed over the years, up to two-thirds of the wall has survived.
According to The Herald, Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said:
"The decision reinforces the Antonine Wall's international status which is thoroughly deserved. The Antonine Wall represents an incredible part of Scotland's history. Its inscription as Scotland's fifth World Heritage Site - the highest accolade of a nation's heritage - should be celebrated by everyone."
The north-west frontier of the Roman Empire will now join other wonders of the world such as the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China and Stonehenge - whose future attraction initiatives are currently up for public debate. It is hoped that the award will result in a revival of tourist interest in museums and Roman sites in the area.
On Sunday, a review into Edinburgh's World Heritage status was also launched by the UNESCO summit in Canada.