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. The remains of the Roman frontiers in Wales are unique in the Roman Empire. Unlike the well-known defensive linear boundaries such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall in northern Britain, the forts and fortresses in Wales formed a dynamic offensive frontier designed to deal with the fierce natives. More than 60 stone and timber fortresses, forts and fortlets are known, some of which seem to have been occupied for only a few years, while others remained in use for far longer. They tell the story of the long and brutal war against the Celtic tribes and, after their final and complete victory, the army’s policy of ‘occupation-in-depth’ when up to 25,000 legionaries and auxiliaries were stationed in Wales. We hope the readers of this book will enjoy discovering the fascinating story of the Roman conquest of Wales almost 2,000 years ago.
Trade Review'The book is excellently written and lavishly illustrated, which allows the authors to provide the reader with an accessible introduction to one of the less well-known Roman frontiers. As such, it is the book to buy for the newcomer to this forgotten frontier.' – Al McCluskey (2023): Current Archaeology Issue 394
Table of ContentsFRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE ;
Foreword by David J. Breeze and Peter Guest ;
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 ;
Protection and presentation of frontiers ;
Future perspectives ;
THE ROMAN FRONTIERS IN WALES ;
Nature of the Roman Frontiers in Wales ;
History of Research in Wales ;
The Roman Invasion of Britain ;
The Native Tribes of Prehistoric Wales ;
The Conquest and Pacification of Wales ;
The Roman Frontiers in Wales ;
Later History of Roman Wales ;
The Legacy of Rome ;
Where to see the Roman Frontiers in Wales ;
Further reading for the Roman Frontiers in Wales ;
Illustration acknowledgements
