Roman Britain: Outpost of the Empire

by H.H. Scullard

Book Overview

What was life really like in Roman Britain? In this short history Professor Scullard combines classical scholarship with important archaeological discoveries to provide some vivid answers: a solider on Hadrian's Wall writes home for warm underwear; a York wine importer makes his connection in Bordeaux; a London forger hides his coin molds in a crevice in the wall; an optician scribbles prescriptions for sore eyes; curses and blessings fly; bets are...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0500450196
• ISBN13: 9780500450192
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A good book for both novices and serious students

H.H. Scullard's "Roman Britain" is ideal for anyone with a strong interest on this historical period. For me, it served as a satisfying introduction. Also, because of its contents and the way it is organized, serious students can use this book as a good reference on many of the topics surrounding the history of Roman Britain. The author skillfully blends a wide range of topics to comprehensively cover the subject. Along with the history of Rome's initial invasions, conquests, and eventual collapse in Britain, I especially enjoyed the explanations of the various architectures found throughout the island. From temples, to forts, villas, city plans, and Hadrian's Wall, Scullard puts the reader where he can see the landscape of everyday life for Roman Britons. He definitely strengthened my desire to criss cross the English countryside. And when I do, I am sure I'll have this book in a handy backpack.The only downside of this book for the general reader is that, in being comprehensive, it is sometimes dry, dry, dry. This is a clear, authoritative, and very well illustrated book. So it follows that interspersed between warlords and military governors there are significant portions on the mineral content of Britain or the various pottery found at different excavations. If you're going to cover a subject well, you might as well cover it all. I couldn't fault the author for that, so I just read on.After reading Scullard's "Roman Britain" I thought that everything I will ever read on this subject will be to support what I've learned in this book. If you have the time and will to dive into this subject, get Scullard's book.

Vivid Portrait of Roman Britain

Scullard provides us with a vivid portrait of Roman Britain drawing upon classical scholarship and archealogical finds. The book is abundantly illustrated (125 illustrations) which greatly aids the reader. Highly recommended for the general reader and student!