The Wall is an almost unfathomably large fortification that stretches for three-hundred miles along the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms. It defends the rest of Westeros from the (supposedly) violent wildlings who live on the other side. The enormous structure is one of the series' most memorable locations, and central to the story of the Sworn Brothers of the Night's Watch. You'd think such a fantastical fortification around seven-hundred foot high and constructed by use of magic would surely spring from total invention, but the truth is somewhat different. In actuality, Martin cites Hadrian's Wall as inspiring him to create it. Hadrian's Wall was similarly defensive (though smaller, obviously) and ran right across the width of the country. Much of the wall still remains in Northern England, and it's even possible to walk along it which is exactly what Martin was doing when he came up with the idea for The Wall. In an interview, Martin says seeing Hadrian's Wall inspired him to imagine what it would be like for a Roman soldier to stand atop the wall and wonder what might soon emerge from the nearby forest. Following the typical fantasy formula, Martin decided that his wall had to be taller, longer and all-around more impressive - and it had to be keeping out more than just the Scots.
