Military Road (Northumberland)

The Military Road in Northumberland, England, is a Roman road constructed under the Roman governor, Agricola, in approximately 79 AD. It served as a vital logistical route for the Roman army, connecting the forts along Hadrian's Wall, which was built later, starting in 122 AD. Though often mistakenly believed to be directly associated with Hadrian's Wall's initial construction, the Military Road predates the wall itself by several decades.

The road runs roughly parallel to Hadrian's Wall, generally located to its south. It facilitated the efficient movement of troops, supplies, and communication between the various forts and milecastles along the Wall. Its course generally follows the natural topography of the area, making use of ridges and high ground to minimize engineering challenges.

While much of the original Roman road has been lost or repurposed over time, sections can still be traced or have been incorporated into modern roads and footpaths. Modern roads, such as the B6318, often follow the approximate route of the original Military Road. Archaeological investigations continue to shed light on the road's construction and use during the Roman occupation.