In this blog we’re diving into the fascinating, yet little-known story of Maia, the second-largest Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall. Located at the far western edge of the wall, Maia once stood as a critical defensive outpost for the Roman Empire.
A strategic stronghold
Maia was likely manned by a mixed unit of 800 infantrymen and 240 cavalry, tasked with guarding the frontier from potential threats across the Solway Firth, which now separates England from southern Scotland. This location was vital not just for its defensive position but also for its access to the sea, connecting it to the wider Roman world. Goods from the Mediterranean would travel via maritime routes through the Straits of Gibraltar, up the coast, and into ports like Maryport. From there, these luxuries would be transported to Maia, offering the soldiers stationed here a taste of Roman life, even at the edge of the empire.
A mysterious legacy
Despite its importance, much of Maia’s history remains shrouded in mystery. Unlike other forts along Hadrian’s Wall, we lack detailed records or monumental inscriptions that could tell us more about the troops stationed here. All we have is a single tombstone of a Roman woman, most likely from the third century. The modern town of Bowness-on-Solway now sits on top of where the ancient fort would have been, which has hindered archaeological exploration. However, this only adds to the intrigue surrounding Maia. What stories might still be buried beneath the streets and fields?
The spread of Christianity
Interestingly, the region around Maia also played a role in the early spread of Christianity in Britain. After the Roman Empire’s influence waned, Christianity began to flourish in what is now southern Scotland. Just across the Solway Firth, in Dumfries and Galloway, a place called Whithorn became a centre of Christian worship. Late Roman graffiti featuring the Chi-Rho symbol – representing the first two letters of Christ’s name – was found carved into a cave at Whithorn. This could suggest that soldiers stationed at Maia may have carried the Christian faith across the water, influencing the tribes of southern Scotland and laying the groundwork for the rich Celtic Christian tradition in northern Britain.
A glimpse into the past
Standing at the site of Maia today, you can look across the Solway Firth and imagine what it must have been like for Roman soldiers, peering northward into what was then barbarian territory. Though much of the fort’s history is lost to time, the site remains a poignant reminder of the Roman Empire’s reach and the mysteries still waiting to be uncovered.
