20/05/2026
A Syrian archer who served on Hadrians Wall ? His 25 year long service & good conduct certificate- discovered in Bulgaria ? This and much more awaits your visit & experience to be discovered on Visit Hadrian's Wall see below ⬇️ and my favourite to take visitors on tour 🤫
Did you know that one of the units stationed on Hadrian's Wall was from modern-day Syria? Amongst them was an archer known as Longinus Festius.
- Longinus was part of the First Cohort of Hamian Archers: the only archery unit ever stationed on Hadrian's Wall. They arrived at Magna Fort around 122 AD, just as Hadrian's Wall was being built.
- The Hamians were no ordinary soldiers. Boys from Hama started training with bows as children, and their skills with a composite bow were so exceptional that, rather than teach Roman soldiers to shoot, the Roman Army simply brought the experts in from Syria.
- Longinus served his 25 years. When he retired, he received the diploma every Roman soldier was given on leaving the army: a certificate recording his service and his rights. His diploma was found centuries later in Bulgaria, thousands of miles from where he served.
We're excited to say that until 3rd October you can see Longinus's bronze diploma on display at Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum as part of its fascinating 'Following the Eagle' exhibition.
Want to get hands on? Learn more about the Syrian archers and have a go at perfecting your archery skills with the interactive bow at the Roman Army Museum.
Image: Roman Army Museum at The Vindolanda Trust
