Roman Britain: A New History - Hardcover

De La Bedoyere, Guy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0500051402 ISBN 13: 9780500051405

Publisher: Thames & Hudson, 2006

Synopsis

A definitive and completely up-to-date account of the Roman conquest and occupation of Britain—a crucial period in its history

In this lively, authoritative new account of Britain as a Roman province, Guy de la Bédoyère puts the Roman conquest and occupation of the island within the larger context of Romano-British society and how it functioned.

Following introductory chapters outlining events from the Iron Age period to the emperor Honorius' advice to the Britons in 410 to fend for themselves, the author tackles the issues facing Britons after the absorption of their culture by an invading army, including the role of government and the military in the province, religion, commerce, technology, and day-to-day life both in towns and in the countryside.

The narrative is brought vividly to life by quotations from inscriptions found on tombstones and buildings and the writings of historians such as Tacitus and Dio. The text is supplemented throughout by box features devoted to topics ranging from the Roman city of London and the building of Hadrian's Wall to discoveries such as the Vindolanda writing tablets and the treasure hoards found at Mildenhall and Thetford.

Roman Britain is lavishly illustrated with over 290 illustrations, many in color, including reconstruction drawings by the author. Dramatic aerial views of the remains of Roman forts such as Housesteads and Vindolanda along Hadrian's Wall and the Saxon Shore fort of Portchester are also featured. The book incorporates the latest discoveries, including the remains of a stadium recently uncovered in Colchester by the author and a team of archaeologists. 294 illustrations, 77 in color.

About this title

About the Author:

Guy de la Bédoyère is the author of numerous books on Roman Britain and is a frequent contributor to British television programs on archaeology and popular history.

Review:

“A detailed portrait for nonspecialists of the many facets of Romano-British society as revealed by archaeological excavation, including the most recent discoveries...may become the standard archaeological survey of Roman Britain for students and lay readers.”
- Historian

“Simultaneously scholarly and attractive.”
- Classical Bulletin

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0500051402
• ISBN 13: 9780500051405
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288