Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 8.djvu/144

ancient and modern names appears on comparison; but this may be attributed to the total subversion by Pict, and Saxon, and Dane, of the Roman domination in the North, so that the very names have perished. The general examination of the barrier concludes with some valuable observations on the construction, the quarries whence materials were obtained, the employment of native labourers, the durability of the work, the time required for its completion. Mr. Bruce adverts to certain barriers of an analogous nature,^[1] one of them the Antonine Wall, or Graham's Dike, by which the upper isthmus of Great Britain was fortified, possibly to be regarded as an advanced work of the more important southern line. The other is a continental entrenchment, a vallum and stone wall, extending from Ratisbon nearly 200 miles towards the sources of the Danube, and bearing much resemblance to that under consideration. It is known as "the Devil's Wall," and a detailed examination of its construction would be highly interesting to the archaeologist.^[2]

We must leave our readers to follow their enthusiastic guide in a pilgrimage "per lineam valli;" the limits of the present notice allow only a passing mention of his interesting chapter on the "Local Description," commencing from the Eastern Terminus at Wallsend. We are pleased to see that the relics found many years since at Tynemouth Castle, long condemned to be again buried in the vaults at Somerset House, have, as well as other curious inscribed stones in the possession of the Society of Antiquaries, been rescued from their unworthy concealment, and accurate representations for the first time given. These remains should be restored to their true depository, and placed with the valuable series in the Norman keep-tower at Newcastle. A profusion of plans and sections, and pleasing illustrations, aid our progress, in advancing from station to station, or in loitering at the mile-castle, where now the shepherd often seeks shelter for his charge. No site is more interesting, nor has been developed with more intelligent care, than CILVRNVM. Fortunate is the pilgrim who may find a welcome at the Northumbrian Pompeii, and enjoy not only the hospitalities, but the enthusiasm of kindred tastes, with which the possessor of Chesters delights to set forth the striking features of this site. The area contains six acres, and has yielded many remarkable relics, which Mr. Clayton preserves upon the spot. Amongst the vestiges recently exposed to view, the remains of a structure of considerable importance deserve especial notice: it may, perhaps, have been the dwelling of the Prefect of the Astures, here stationed; and the thermal arrangements, shown in Mr. Bruce 's plan, remind us how needful must have been such expedients to reconcile the Spaniard to a residence in these wintry climes. There are indications of the imposing architectural character of the buildings at Cilurnum, and of their accessory ornaments. The recumbent river-god, possibly the impersonation of the North Tyne, rude as it may be in execution and material, claims mention on account of the great rarity of Roman sculptures, of large dimension, in England. A more interesting and remarkable figure has also been found: it is rather above life-size, and has been supposed to represent Cybele. Mr. Bruce gives a faithful