The Roman Invasion Of Britain

First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This book provides an authoritative new narrative of the Roman conquest of Britain, from the two campaigns of Julius Caesar up until the construction of Hadrian's Wall. It highlights the motivations of Roman commanders and British resistance fighters during a key period of Britain's history.

The purpose of this book is to take what we think we know about the Roman Conquest of Britain from historical sources, and compare it with the archaeological evidence, which is often contradictory. Archaeologists and historians all too often work in complete isolation from each other and this book hopes to show the dangers of neglecting either form of evidence. In the process it challenges much received wisdom about the history of Roman Britain. ??Birgitta Hoffmann tackles the subject by taking a number of major events or episodes (such as Caesar's incursions, Claudius' invasion, Boudicca's revolt), presenting the accepted narrative as derived from historical sources, and then presenting the archaeological evidence for the same. The result of this innovative approach is a book full of surprising and controversial conclusions that will appeal to the general reader as well as those studying or teaching courses on ancient history or archaeology.

This book assesses the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43. The author challenges the accepted wisdom that the Romans landed at Richborough in Kent. He argues for Fishbourne in Sussex--and for a landing to support an already highly Romanized way of life.

The story of the Claudian Conquest of Britain was only parly recorded by ancient historians. Tacitus Annals breaks off at the death of Tiberius, while the narrative of Cassius Dio survives only as a collection of elected pieces. Much of the missing knowledge has been recaptured by archaelogical research. As a result we have a better understanding of the tribal society which then existed in Britain and this can help us to appreciate the courses of military action open to Plautius, the commanding Roman general. Peddie argues that organization and supply problems of the Roman task force dictated Roman tactics. He discusses what these may have been, examines the reasons for a seemingly isolated foray into the West Country, and suggests that the guerrilla campaign of AD 43-52 denied the Romans their hope of a speedy conquest.

'The toga was often to be seen among them': with these words the Roman Historian Tacitus describes the Britons adopting the Roman way of life at an early stage of their long history as Roman provincials.

This book takes a holistic look at Roman Britain, from the events leading up to its official inception in AD 43 until the Romans left the Isle entirely around AD 409. The timeline is straightforward, and each chapter delves into some aspect of Romano-British life: dealing with the concept of 'the Celts'; when Britannia actually became 'Roman'; how the two peoples attempted to blend their culture through religion; and lastly, why the Romans had to leave. Inside you will read about... ✓ The Timeline ✓ Ancient Celtic Ethnicity, A Modern Invention ✓ The Beginnings Of Roman Britain ✓ Religion And Blending Culture In Roman Britain ✓ The Bitter End It can be difficult to explain everything from a neutral, unbiased perspective as most of the records from the time are Roman in nature, but drawing on a variety of perspectives from archaeologists and historians alike has made for a thought-provoking assessment of the era. Rome's power bestowed cities like London and York to Britannia, and their lasting influence is still visible today in places like Bath, and at Hadrian's Wall to the north. Roman Britain lingers on still.

The Roman Empire and its Impact on Britain is a fascinating account of British history from a period that begins with the invasion of the Romans on Britain in 55BC to AD410, when they finally left. The book describes how Roman settlers have influenced everyday life, from their introduction of the hypocaust system for keeping houses and baths warm through to their building of roads. It also features important figures in this period of history, including Boudicca - a key figure of rebellion from Roman rule. Find out more about her as well as Hadrian's Wall, the Vindolanda Tablets and how the Roman language has survive in the current English language in this amazing history of early British life.