Vindolanda: Where Roman Soldiers Went to Party

Vindolanda, a Roman fort situated in northern England, was the place where Roman soldiers went to let loose and party like it’s 79 AD. Along with guarding the Roman Empire’s northern border, these soldiers knew how to have a good time.

The highlight of any soldier’s time at Vindolanda was the famed annual “Hadrian’s Wall Bash.” This raucous celebration would take place every August and was a non-stop party for days on end. The soldiers would consume copious amounts of ale, gorge on roasted boar and venison, dance wildly to the beat of the lyre, and engage in wild Roman orgies.

One particularly enthusiastic soldier, known for his love of parties, was the infamous Cassius Maximus. Cassius was known to initiate impromptu drinking competitions with any and all who dared to challenge him. He once consumed an entire barrel of ale in one sitting without so much as batting an eye, earning himself the nickname “The Roman Silo.”

In addition to their wild and crazy parties, the soldiers at Vindolanda also had a knack for creating cheeky graffiti. One such piece of graffiti, found in the latrine area, read “Here I sit, broken-hearted. Hadrian’s Wall has been gnarly farted.” Classic Roman humor.

Overall, Vindolanda was more than just a military outpost. It was a place where soldiers came to have fun, let loose, and create memories that would last a lifetime. So the next time you find yourself in northern England, pay a visit to Vindolanda and party like a Roman soldier.