Scheduled MonumentsScotlandInchtuthil, Roman fortress
Iron Age · Roman fortress

Inchtuthil, Roman fortress

Scotland
HES SM1606
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Roman fortress
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Inchtuthil is a Roman fortress located on the River Tay in Perthshire, Scotland, constructed during the governorship of Agricola in the late first century AD as part of the Roman advance into northern Britain. The fortress, which dates to around AD 83–87, was strategically positioned to control the Tay valley and served as a supply base for military campaigns into the Highlands. Measuring approximately 137 by 112 metres, it was designed to accommodate a legionary garrison of around 5,000 troops and displays the characteristic playing-card layout of Roman auxiliary and legionary fortresses. The site was abandoned relatively quickly, within a decade of construction, following the decision to consolidate Roman forces further south, and subsequent ploughing has largely obscured its visible remains, though archaeological investigation has revealed substantial evidence of its timber and stone structures.

Inchtuthil, Roman fortress is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1606. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Inchtuthil, Roman fortress?

Inchtuthil is a Roman fortress located on the River Tay in Perthshire, Scotland, constructed during the governorship of Agricola in the late first century AD as part of the Roman advance into northern Britain. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1606.

What period does Inchtuthil, Roman fortress date from?

Inchtuthil, Roman fortress dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a roman fortress. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Inchtuthil, Roman fortress?

Inchtuthil, Roman fortress is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM1606.

What other scheduled monuments are near Inchtuthil, Roman fortress?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Berryhill, mortuary enclosures and pit-alignment 150m N of (7.4 km), Blackfaulds, stone circle 450m WSW of (8 km), Blindwells, stone circle 380m ENE of (8 km).

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