The Romanization of Britain: An Essay in Archaeological Interpretation

by Martin Millett

The Romanization of Britain is a study of cultural change and interaction. While there are many narrative histories of Roman Britain, this synthesis of recent archaeological work presents the evidence in a new and provocative way. Dr. Millett examines the romanization of Britain as a social process and from a local perspective, by looking in detail at the complex patterns of interaction between Roman imperialism and the native Roman population. Wide-ranging and extensive data from the archaeological, historical and epigraphic records are interpreted through anthropological and socio-economic models. The focus is however, always on the excavated material, and provides a clear explanation for it without overemphasis on the literary sources. An important feature of the book is the collection of tables and appendices that will be an authoritative source for all those working on the province.

Genres: History, Archaeology, Nonfiction, Roman Britain, British Literature, Roman

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been lurking in the back of my classroom since I took it over almost ten years ago. Every once in a while, I'd pick up and, then, usually put it down. This June, I decided that I really should add it to my summer reading as it related to a direction I was wanting to work on in my Latin classes. It was worth the effort, although I doubt if many would consider it a scintillating read. Millet reviews the archaeological data for Romanization in Britain carefully and gives interesting insights to the transition of Britain from its pre-Roman cultures to a Romanized province by the 2-3rd centuries AD. The information is useful for those interested in Roman Britain and Millet makes an effort to connect it to what we know in the written sources. The discussions do get technical on a regular basis, but that is to be expected in a scholarly book.

On the whole, a good read for those interested in Britain and, particularly, in the archaeology in Britain. It is a bit dated, however, so make sure you keep up on more current developments.

[Seren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw on Twitter recently someone complaining how dull archaeological textbooks often are. This is no exception. It starts well and the information within it is useful, but getting to the point means trawling through a mass of impenetrable prose. Something to dip into for a specific site or theme rather than to read as a linear telling.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and very readable