Professor Rob Collins

is not abandoned or given up, that it seems to be occupied through the 4th century.

The archaeological evidence is very clear, the historical sources are telling us there is activity going on.

Even as late as the Generalissimo Stilicho, in around 399, our sources are panegyric, so it's praise poetry of the imperial court to the greatness of Stilicho.

But within that, there's a reference to Stilicho commanding the legions against the Caledones or the Picts.

I forget exactly what they call them.

But Stilicho has clearly instigated some sort of campaign in northern Britain.

That's around 400.

So these things are still happening.

So the start of the 4th century, we've got the Emperor Constantius Chlorus.

The end of the 4th century, we've got Stilicho under Honorius campaigning.

So we can bookend that century with...

The Pixar problem, defense of Northern Britain is still on the imperial agenda.

It might be lower down, but it's still there.

And Hadrian's Wall is definitely occupied.

350 is a really good starting point because politically, the Roman Empire is reasonably stable.

You've got the sons of Constantine are still ruling.

There's a confidence and faith in the Constantinian dynasty.

This is the third generation of emperors from that family.

The reforms that were instigated under the emperor's diocletian and then completed under Constantine are...

are doing what they were supposed to do.