Scottish tourism minister Patricia Ferguson has backed Historic Scotland's bid to secure European aid to make the historic structure Scotland's fifth World Heritage site, which would put it on a par with the Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China.
The wall stretches 37 miles across Scotland from Bo'ness to Old Kilpatrick. An excellent section of it, including remains of forts, runs through the Kilsyth, Croy, and Twechar areas.
The Scottish bid is part of a joint international effort to have the frontiers of the Roman Empire recognised, with similar projects under way in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and Hungary.
Launching a new booklet on the Roman frontiers at the Scottish Parliament along with the German consul general, Ingo Radke, Mrs Ferguson said: "If it comes to pass I think it will be the most ambitious World Heritage site that has been identified. The Antonine Wall is an outstanding archaeological treasure, not just for Scotland, but for Europe. World Heritage Site status will give the Antonine Wall the international status and protection it deserves."
She said the wall was something young people were very interested in learning more about. It was very tangible example of Roman history they could experience for themselves.
The total cost of the joint bid is around £900,000, with the countries hoping European funding would cover 60 per cent. of that.
Around 600 sites are recognised by the United Nations across the world.
Blane Dodds, head of cultural and recreational services for North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The Antonine Wall is, historically, a very important site, being one of only three artificial frontiers along the European boundaries of the Roman Empire. It marked the north-west frontier of the empire, and for part of its length runs through the northern corridor of North Lanarkshire, where the council has responsibility for its protection.
"We fully support the proposal to add the Antonine Wall to the list of World Heritage sites and will be working with our colleagues in planning, and with Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland to ensure its protection."