Description
Book SynopsisThe frontiers of the Roman Empire together form the largest monument of one of the world’s greatest ancient states. They stretch for some 7,500 km through 20 countries which encircle the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of these frontiers have been studied by visitors and later by archaeologists for several centuries. Many of the inscriptions and sculptures, weapons, pottery and artefacts created and used by the soldiers and civilians who lived on the frontier can be seen in museums. Equally evocative of the lost might of Rome are the physical remains of the frontiers themselves. The aim of this series of books is not only to inform the interested visitor about the history of the frontiers but to act as a guidebook as well. In this important and beautifully illustrated book, David Breeze elucidates the context of the most famous frontier, Hadrian’s Wall. The zone to north and south of the Wall was a heavily militarised landscape of roads, bridges, forts, fortlets and towers, but also the towns, settlements and supply infrastructure on which the army depended. As the invaluable gazetteer shows, the area is now rich in superb sites and museums, allowing modern people countless rich insights into the world of the soldiers and civilians of the period.
Table of ContentsFRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Foreword by Kate Mavor
Common cultural heritage of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire
Frontiers and trade
The ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire’ World Heritage Site
The definition of a World Heritage Site
The task ahead
History and extent of frontiers
Rome´s foreign policy
The location of frontiers
The army and frontiers
The purpose of frontiers
Soldiers and civilians
Military administration
Research on Roman frontiers
Inscriptions and documents
Survey and excavation
Aerial survey and remote sensong
Protection and presentation of frontiers
Future perspectives
THE HINTERLAND OF HADRIAN’S WALL
Introduction
Some Ancient Geography
History
Military deployment
A Roman soldier’s life
Supply
Civilians
The end of Roman Britain
Gazetteer
Bibliography
