'The Lost XVII' – Kilmacolm, Scotland - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

'The Lost XVII'

Kilmacolm, Scotland

A missing Roman legion was recreated in sculpture along a Scottish cycling route. 

View all photos
23
185
Top Places in Scotland
Drinking Vessel, Gladstone's Land
Beggar's Benison Artifacts
Saint Andrews, Scotland
Old Man of Hoy
Orkney, Scotland
Bakehouse Close
Edinburgh, Scotland
 See All

Founded by the Roman emperor Augustus around the year 41 B.C., Legion XVII of the Imperial Roman Army disappeared in the year 9 A.D. after being sent to deal with troubling tribes in Germanica. What happened to them has always been a bit of a mystery.

Urban legend states they went onto Scotland after Germanica and disappeared around the area of Dunbartonshire. This urban myth has now become cemented in history thanks to popular fiction such as The Eagle of the Ninth and films like Centurion and The Eagle, all based in Scotland. Artifacts of this legion were actually found at Hadrian’s Wall, and one theory suggests that after the battle of Teutoburg Forest, where Legion XVII took a complete hammering from the locals, the group disbanded. What was left of the legion was deployed to Britannica to deal with issues at Hadrian’s Wall. 

Whatever the truth may be, you can now see them on Cycle Route 75 between Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir thanks to Cornwall-based artist David Kemp. In 1990, Kemp crafted these sculptures of Roman soldiers from recycled materials such as gas cylinders. They are free to enjoy and there is a seat nearby if you fancy a picnic.

Know Before You Go

Despite scarce information on the exact location of this artwork, it is easy to find once on the cycle path. From Kilmacolm, head east towards Bridge of Weir on the path. You will pass an astroturf pitch. A mile after that you will pass an artwork called "Brick Traction" made by the same artist. The soldiers are one mile after that. The path is very good and flat, very easy for mobility scooters and wheelchair users. There are lots of dog walkers and cyclists. Locals are very friendly and can help point you in the right direction.

Atlas Obscura Trips

NEW - Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.
Book Now
art outside roman military sculptures history
Nearby
Formakin House
3.50 miles
Clochoderick Stone
3.89 miles
Johnstone History Museum
4.44 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Formakin Estate
Renfrewshire, Scotland

Formakin House

Stone monkeys adorn the buildings of this former estate.
Clochoderick Stone
Renfrewshire, Scotland

Clochoderick Stone

This stone was once used by druids to determine a person's innocence or guilt.
Johnstone, Scotland

Johnstone History Museum

Learn local history while picking up groceries at this museum tucked inside a supermarket.
Kenmure Hill Temple.
Johnstone, Scotland

Kenmure Hill Temple

A mysterious ruin shrouded in more folklore than fact.
Related Places
A bronze fast of a female face atop a pedestal with a lighthouse in the background
New York, New York

Girl Puzzle Monument

An art installation commemorates journalist Nellie Bly's undercover reporting inside a New York asylum.
The Lanchester Diploma.
Durham, England

The Lanchester Diploma

The 2,000-year-old pieces of metal are an ancient soldier's military discharge papers.
Quartier de Cazerne sculpture.
Paris, France

Sculptures de Décure

Exquisite wall sculptures carved in secret by an early quarryman in an obscure corner of the Paris Catacombs.
A aerial view of the Masada fortress.
Masada, Israel

Masada

This daunting 1st century fortress was purportedly the site of one of the most dramatic revolts of the Jewish-Roman wars.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web