Illustrated by the Author and Alan Sorrell.
First published in 1956.
Here is a lively history of the four centuries of Roman occupation, from the time of Julius Caesar to the beginnings of Saxon settlement in the fifth century A.D. A brief background survey of the Roman Empire and of the condition of Britain at the time of the invasions takes us into a detailed account of the Conquest itself, first of the Lowlands, then carried further by Agricola, and up to the consolidation of the frontier and the erection of Hadrian’s Wall.
What influence did the Roman occupation have on local government and administration, on town life and buildings, on the development of industry and trade, on art and religion? In the section that follows, R. R. Sellman discusses the Romanization of Britain, showing to what extent the inhabitants of Britain took on the Roman way of life.
A comprehensive and interesting survey, liberally illustrated with maps, diagrams and reconstruction drawings, this book gives the reader some fascinating insight into the application of archaeology to the reconstruction and interpretation of the past.
Author(s): Roger Raymond Sellman
Series: Informative Reference Series
Edition: 3
Publisher: Roy Publishers
Year: 1963
Language: English
Pages: 72
City: New York
Introduction: The Evidence 1
The Roman Empire (map) 4
Britain at the time of Julius Caesar 6
The Roman Empire 7
Julius Caesar’s Invasions 9
Britain before the Roman Conquest 11
The Conquest of Britain 13
The Conquest of the Lowlands 15
Boudicca’s Revolt 17
Agricola 19
The Consolidation of the Frontier 20
Hadrian’s Wall 20
The Vallum 21
The Antonine Wall 24
Severus Rebuilds Hadrian’s Wall 25
Forts and Military Life 25
Government and Administration 27
The Capital 29
Romanisation of the Lowlands: Towns 30
Town Life and Buildings 31
Villas 35
Native Farmsteads 37
Roads 38
Industry and Trade 40
Religion 43
Christianity 45
Art 46
The Decline of the Towns 46
Carausius and the Saxons 47
Saxon Shore Forts 48
Diocletian’s Reorganisation 49
Picts and Scots 50
The End of Roman Occupation 51
Sub-Roman Britain 53
British Christian Missions 55
The Beginnings of Saxon Settlement 55
Britain about 500 57
Conclusion 58
Appendix I: Place-Names of Roman Britain 61
Appendix II: Roman Emperors, and Governors of Britain 63
Appendix III: The Roman Canal System in the Fenlands 64
A Select Book List, by E. N. Bewick, A.L.A. 65
Index 67
