Formerly editor of the popular archaeology magazine, Current Archaeology, Dr Symonds now heads up its sister mag, Current World Archaeology. Matt’s doctoral thesis was called ‘Protecting the Empire’, and drawing on his wide knowledge of Roman frontiers, he has previously spoken to the Trust on his favourite topic of Roman fortlets. His latest book ‘Hadrian’s Wall: Creating Division’ has just been published and in it he takes a fresh look at the shock caused by this formidable structure. Examining the everyday impact of the Wall over the three centuries it was in operation, Matt sheds new light on its underexplored human story by discussing how the evidence speaks of a hard border scything through a previously open landscape and bringing dramatic change in its wake.