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 sites today.