At its 32nd session in Quebec, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee agreed on 8 July to inscribe the Antonine Wall on the World Heritage list as part of the ambitious, international, trans-boundary World Heritage Site of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire.

The Antonine Wall, forming the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, becomes the third part of this serial nomination, joining Hadrian’s Wall and the German Limes. Other parts of the frontier which stretches around the Mediterranean region will in time be added as other countries nominate their sections of the frontier which represents the greatest extent of the Roman Empire.

Built following an invasion of what is now Scotland during 139-142 and occupied for possibly only 20 years, it served as the most northerly frontier of the Roman empire at the high point
of its power and influence in the ancient world.
(from statement of Outstanding Universal Value)

Scottish Culture Minister, Linda Fabiani MSP commented:

“The Antonine Wall represents an incredible part of Scotland’s history. Its inscription as Scotland’s fifth World Heritage Site – the highest accolade of a nation’s heritage – should be celebrated by everyone both now and in the future.”

Read Historic Scotland press release

Read documentation (Nomination Document (PDF) and Management Plan (PDF))

Antonine Wall official website: visitor information, research and resources

Other new inscriptions for 2008

Following the 32nd Session, UNESCO’s World Heritage List now numbers a total of 878 sites, 679 cultural and 174 natural sites and 25 mixed in 145 countries.

The following countries have had sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for the first time this year: Papua New Guinea; San Marino; Saudi Arabia; Vanuatu.

Read summary descriptions of new inscriptions

The other new cultural sites inscribed during the 32nd session are:

§ Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia)

§ Fujian Tulou (China)

§ Stari Grad Plain (Croatia)

§ Historic Centre of Camagüey (Cuba)

§ Fortifications of Vauban (France)

§ Berlin Modernism Housing Estates (Germany)

§ Armenian Monastic Ensembles in Iran (Iran)

§ Baha’i Holy Places in Haifa and Western Galilee (Israel)

§ Mantua and Sabbioneta (Italy)

§ The Mijikenda Kaya Forests (Kenya)

§ Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia)

§ Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús de Nazareno de Atotonilco (Mexico)

§ Le Morne Cultural Landscape (Mauritius)

§ Kuk Early Agricultural Site (Papua New Guinea)

§ San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano (San Marino)

§ Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr (Madâin Sâlih) (Saudi Arabia)

§ The Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of Carpathian Mountain Area (Slovakia)

§ Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Cultural Landscape (Switzerland and Italy)

§ Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (Vanuatu)

Natural properties inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during the 32nd session:

§ Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Canada)

§ Mount Sanqingshan National Park (China)

§ Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems (France)

§ Surtsey (Iceland)

§ Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan)

§ Monarch Butterfly biosphere Reserve (Mexico)

§ Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (Switzerland)

§ Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

Extensions added onto properties already on the World Heritage List:

§ Historic centres of Berat and Gjirokastra (Albania)

§ Mountain Railways of India

§ Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain

§ The Antonine Wall (United Kingdom)