The Frontiers of Imperial Rome

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

At its height, the Roman Empire was the greatest empire yet seen with borders stretching from the rain-swept highlands of Scotland in the north to the sun-scorched Nubian desert in the south. But how were the vast and varied stretches of frontier defined and defended Many of Rome's frontier defences have been the subject of detailed and ongoing study and scholarship. Three frontier zones are now UNESCO World Heritage sites (the Antonine Wall having recently been granted this status-the author led the bid), and there is growing interest in their study. This wide ranging survey will describe the varying frontier systems, describing the extant remains, methods and materials of construction and highlighting the differences between various frontiers. Professor Breeze considers how the frontiers worked, discussing this in relation to the organisation and structure of the Roman army, and also their impact on civilian life along the empire's borders. He then reconsiders the question of whether the frontiers were the product of an overarching Empire-wide grand strategy, questioning Luttwak's seminal hypothesis. This is a detailed and wide-ranging study of the frontier systems of the Roman Empire by a leading expert. Intended for the general reader, it is sure also to be of great value for academics and students in this field. The appendixes will include a brief guide to visiting the site today. AUTHOR: Professor David Breeze prepared the successful bid for World Heritage Site status for the Antonine Wall and now leads the team implementing its management. He was formerly Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Scotland. HE has written books both on the Antonine Wall and Hadrian's Wall as well as on Roman Scotland and the Roman army. David Breeze is an honorary professor at the universities of Durham, Edinburgh and Newcastle, and is chairman of the International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies. ILLUSTRATIONS: 24 photographs, 40 diagrams & 12 maps *

Reviews

"...Breeze's Frontiers of Imperial Rome remains the most useful introduction to the subject currently available and should certainly retain its place as a crucial text on the reading lists of anyone teaching a class on the Roman army, on Roman imperialism, or on frontier studies more generally."-- "History: Reviews of New Books"
"While scholarly, Breeze's style is clear, and will prove valuable reading for anyone with an interest in Roman military history or the growing literature on frontiers and borderlands."-- "The NYMAS Review"

Author Bio

David Breeze OBE is Chairman of the International Congress of Roman Frontier Studies. He was formerly Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Scotland, and is the author of books on Hadrian's Wall, the Antonine Wall, Roman frontiers and the Roman army. He is an Honorary Professor at the Universities of Durham, Edinburgh and Newcastle, and has an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow University.