- South Shields Roman Fort was called Arbeia and is located on the south side of the mouth of the river Tyne at South Shields.
- The Fort has been reconstructed and can be visited.
History
- Built around 120-128 CE, by the Legio VI Victrix, Arbeia became the naval supply base for Hadrian's Wall along with Wallsend Roman Fort on the north side.
- In 208 CE during Septimius Severus' Caledonian Campaign, 18 Granaries were built out of stone to supply the army.
- There was a Vicus, a civilian settlement, nearby.
- Until recently, the Tyne river Pilots were based in front of the Roman Fort and in Roman Times the river Pilots may have been based inside the Fort.
Roman Auxiliary Units
- Ala I Pannoniorum Sabiniana (c.128 CE)
- First Wing of Sabinus’ Pannonians: 500 cavalry from Pannonia who moved to Halton Chesters during the third century CE.
- Ala I Hispanorum Asturum:
- First Wing of Asturians (dates uncertain)
- Cohort V Gallorum: (c.222 CE)
- There was only room for half of this 1,000 strong cavalry unit to be based here.
- Numerus Barcariorum Tigrisiensium (c.400 CE)
- The Company of Bargemen from the Tigris. Last Unit to be recorded here in the Notitia Dignitatum. A unit was also recorded at Lancaster.
Roman Site and Museum
- Arbeia Roman Fort
- The Fort holds reconstructions of Roman Buildings:
- Roman Gatehouse
- Roman Commandants’ House, the Praetorium.
- Roman Barracks
- Display of Roman Soldier’s clothing and armour.
- Footings of 18 Granaries built of stone.
Roman Roads
- Military Way (nearby)
- Runs parallel to Hadrian’s Wall between Bowness-on-Solway and Wallsend
- Dere Street (nearby)
- Runs North-South through Hadrian’s Wall at Portgate near Chesters.
Nearby Sites
Photo and map: Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields