The Roman fort at Ilkley (Olicana) commanded the critical Aire Gap — the lowest crossing of the Pennines between the Vale of York and Lancashire. Control of this gap was strategically essential for Roman communication between Eboracum and the western frontier. Inscriptions from Ilkley record several different auxiliary units including the Cohors II Lingones and Sura's Wing. The fort was rebuilt multiple times, suggesting repeated periods of threat and reconstruction consistent with the turbulent military history of Roman Yorkshire.
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