The frontiers of the Roman empire together form the largest monument of one of the world’s greatest states. They stretch for some 7,500km through 20 countries which encircle the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of these frontiers have been studied by visitors and later by archaeologists for several ce...

The frontiers of the Roman empire together form the largest monument of one of the world’s greatest states. They stretch for some 7,500km 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 sculpture, 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 Roman military remains in North Africa are remarkable in their variety and in their state of preservation: they deserve to be better known. They include towers and forts, stretches of defensive lines of stone and earth with ditches broken by gates, and roads, sitting in the most amazing scenery. It is hoped that each reader of this book will enjoy learning more about North Africa’s remarkable Roman inheritance.

Contents

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – David J. Breeze, Sonja Jilek**Foreword by David J. Breeze

Common cultural heritage of the Roman empire

The “Frontiers of the Roman Empire” World Heritage Site

History and extent of frontiers

The army and frontiers

Research on Roman frontiersThe African Frontiers –* David Mattingly, Alan Rushworth, Martin Sterry, Victoria Leitch*

Introduction

The nature of the Roman Frontiers in Africa

The History of Research

The Peoples of Africa

Historical Background

Military Deployment

Frontier Development

Life on the Frontier: Hadrian at Lambaesis

Life on the Frontier: Documents from Bu Njem

The Rise of the Fortified Farm

The Frontiers of North Africa

The sites to visit

Bibliography

Further reading

Illustration acknowledgments