Rivers and the Power of Ancient Rome

Studies in the History of Greece and Rome

by Brian Campbell, J.B. Campbell

Figuring in myth, religion, law, the military, commerce, and transportation, rivers were at the heart of Rome's increasing exploitation of the environment of the Mediterranean world. In Rivers and the Power of Ancient Rome , Brian Campbell explores the role and influence of rivers and their surrounding landscape on the society and culture of the Roman Empire.

Examining artistic representations of rivers, related architecture, and the work of ancient geographers and topographers, as well as writers who describe rivers, Campbell reveals how Romans defined the geographical areas they conquered and how geography and natural surroundings related to their society and activities. In addition, he illuminates the prominence and value of rivers in the control and expansion of the Roman Empire--through the legal regulation of riverine activities, the exploitation of rivers in military tactics, and the use of rivers as routes of communication and movement. Campbell shows how a technological understanding of--and even mastery over--the forces of the river helped Rome rise to its central place in the ancient world.

608 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2012

Reviews

[Marie-aimée · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting work on river in Roman world. It is for me a excellent example of what Spatial Turn's application had made. Chapters one and two show very cleary the methodology of the author. I liked that he began with simple questions that demostrate a new way to consider geography in Ancient World. For example, the chapter 2 considers the evidence of a group of writer and their works as important for showing precisely how rivers were described and how they fitted into the physical environment for provinces, regions, and communities. He examins clearly the fonction and the limits of rivers in the description and creation of space. His strongest innovation regards science side of river's analysis (hydrology, exploitations, measuring distances, navigability). An other good point is the abondant work on maps and picture he took, for example a map on SPAs in the Roman world. It is a very complete work on all faces of the river : topography, hydrology, trade, law, representations in literature, religion and art! He makes a lot of relation to the role of roads, but not enough to mountains (I understand, because it is already a big book). His examples are diverses (all over the Empire and centuries). In some parts there are some repetitions or some analysis which could be more developped. Thus it is a very instructive, with many authors and sources and a really beautiful bibliography! This work is for scholars of both geography and history, and all those insterested in Antiquity and expression of power.

[Bonnie_blu · Rating 5 out of 5]

First my credentials: I have a Master's Degree in History and have studied ancient Rome for decades, including primary sources.

Campbell's book is the most thorough investigation into how the Romans viewed and used rivers that I have read. The amount of information contained in the book is mind boggling (in a very good way). He makes use of an enormous variety of available sources to examine the Roman's relationship with rivers and reveals an intimate relationship that is both practical and emotional.

He covers rivers throughout the Roman Empire and explores how rivers were viewed by the people around them, how there was a process of oneupmanship among riverine peoples as to who had the "best" river, how rivers were represented on maps, the engineering developed to bring water to cities, the laws regarding rivers and their use, how important rivers were to the legions, and of course how the importance of rivers in agriculture and commerce cannot be overstated. He covers these topics and much more. I cannot stress enough how detailed the information is and how valuable it is in understanding ancient Rome and other ancient people.

Many modern humans have lost the deep connection with nature that the ancients had, and had to have. When your life depends on the availability of water, for example, you quickly learn to value the resource, to honor it, and to use it wisely.

I highly recommend this book to those interested in ancient history, world history, hydrological engineering, agricultural history, the Roman legions, ancient riverine boats, legal aspects of water access and use in the ancient Roman Empire, and the "religious" significance of rivers to Romans.