Whittaker argues that the very success of the Roman frontiers as permeable border zones sowed the seeds of their eventual destruction Although the Roman empire was one of the longest lasting in history, it was never ideologically conceived by its rulers or inhabitants...
Plutarch wrote in his Life of Numa 'If a boundary is respected it is a restraint on the use of force; and if it is not respected then it is proof of an abuse of power'. Whittaker's study examines both the ideological significance and practical meaning - in terms of military,...