Limits of Empire

“The book is accessible to those who have no insightful knowledge and familiarity with the history of the Roman frontiers . . . an enjoyable read.” —Bryn Mawr Classical Review

The borders of the Roman Empire were frontiers that were often wild and dangerous. By AD 117 and the accession of Hadrian, the empire had reached its peak, and its wealth was coveted by those outside its borders. Just as today those from poorer countries try to make their way into Europe or North America, so those outside the empire wanted to make their way into the Promised Land—for trade, for improvement of their lives or for plunder. Thus the Roman borders became a mix—just as our borders are today—of defensive bulwark against enemies but also control areas where import and export taxes were levied, and entrance was controlled.

This book examines these frontiers of the empire, looking at the way they were constructed and manned and how that changed over the years. It looks at the physical barriers—from the walls in Britain to the Fossatum Africae in the desert. It looks at the traders and the prices that were paid for the traffic of goods. It looks at the way that civil settlements—vici—grew up around the forts and fortlets and what life was like for soldiers, sailors and civilians.

As well as artefacts of the period, the book provides a guidebook to top Roman museums and a gazetteer of visitable sites.

“Superbly illustrated in full color throughout . . . an impressively informative, exceptionally well written, deftly organized and presented study.” —Midwest Book Review