Ruins Of Hadrian's Wall

Prior to the emergence of archaeology as an important discipline, most societies had limited reverence for the artifacts of past civilizations. For centuries, the Anglo-Scottish border people saw Hadrian's Wall more as a source of building material than an international treasure. They disassembled much of the wall and any standing Roman ruins nearby, and recycled the stones in cottages and castles, as well as in major projects like the Lanercost Priory. Even once Hadrian's Wall acquired the status as a historical curiosity, it drew the abuse of too much attention. Since wall-walking began in the early 19th century, millions of hikers have traversed portions of the wall, further weakening a structure already diminished by age and partial disassembly. No one is officially allowed to walk on the wall anymore.