The 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 s...

The 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.

Contents

FRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIREForeword 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 perspectivesTHE 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