Hadrian’s Wall is well positioned to receive supplies delivered by river and sea. The major estuaries of the Tyne and the Solway serve the east and west respectively, and navigable rivers extend for miles inland. The string of river estuary forts that punctuate the west coast were most likely built to protect essential sea-born supply routes. Maryport was probably a significant west coast supply base, receiving goods that would then be forwarded on for delivery by mule train and carts to forts further east. Liquid goods were often transported in amphorae, which are two-handled ceramic pots with necks that taper from a bulbous body. Amphorae containing Mediterranean fish sauce have been found in Carlisle. Dry goods, like pieces of pottery, would have arrived in wooden cases. At Vindolanda, a full case of Samian pottery made in central France arrived damaged. Its contents were dumped for us to find but did the soldiers get a refund?
