Early History and Roman Carlisle
The origins of Carlisle date back to the Roman period when the settlement was known as Luguvallium. The Romans established a fort there around AD 72, as part of their military expansion into northern Britain. Situated just south of the famous Hadrian’s Wall, Luguvallium served as a crucial defensive and logistical base.
The Romans recognized Carlisle’s strategic importance due to its proximity to the border with the tribes of what is now Scotland. The fort was part of a network of military installations designed to control movement and protect Roman Britain from northern incursions. It also functioned as a supply center, facilitating the movement of troops and goods.
Archaeological evidence shows that the Roman fort was extensive and sophisticated, with stone walls, barracks, granaries, and workshops. Over time, a civilian settlement developed around the fort, inhabited by soldiers’ families, traders, and local Britons who adopted Roman ways of life. This settlement laid the foundation for the later medieval city. shutdown123