Diary of Gaius Julius Marcellus, a Roman Soldier in Scotland, March 5th, 158 AD
Morning: It’s really cold when I wake up in our wooden house inside the fort. We get up when it’s still a bit dark, and the air is so chilly that you can see your breath when you talk! We all stand together while our leader counts us to make sure everyone is here and ready for the day.
After Breakfast: We eat some simple bread and olives, then we march to a big wall called the Antonine Wall. It’s made of dirt and wood and stretches super far across the land. We walk along it to make sure there are no sneaky Caledonians (they’re the local tribe) trying to come near. I carry a long spear and a big shield, and they’re really heavy!
Lunchtime: We come back to the fort and there’s no sign of Caledonians today. Now it’s time for training. We practice fighting with wooden swords and shields. I get really sweaty and the person teaching us keeps telling me to keep my shield up high. It’s tough but important to learn how to protect myself.
Afternoon: Some of us have to fix a part of the wall that got broken by winter storms. It’s hard work because we have to carry heavy stones and make a special kind of paste to stick them together. But fixing the wall keeps us safe, so it’s really important.
Evening: When the sun starts to go down, we all have dinner together. Tonight, we have a tasty stew with barley and pork. After eating, I clean and fix my fighting gear, making sure everything is ready in case I need it.
Nighttime: The fort gets quiet at night. I sit with my friends around a fire, and we tell stories about our families and homes far away in Rome. Even though the wine doesn’t taste that great, it makes us feel a bit warmer and happier.
Bedtime Thoughts: When I lie down to sleep, I think about Rome, which is full of people and very lively, unlike here. But even though it’s tough, we stay strong and keep guard here for our families and for Rome.
Everyday Life: Being a soldier here means doing the same things most days – checking the walls, training, and fixing things. But I always remember we’re here for a big reason – to keep everyone safe and to stand strong for our empire.
