Hadrian's Wall: A Study of the North-West Frontier of Rome

by David Divine

Hadrian's Wall is the most important surviving memorial to the military might of Rome--much admired and emulated as a model of frontier management. Yet the author's provocative study vigorously attacks tradition, calling the wall a military triumph but a political disaster. The failure of the Romans to pacify the Caledones produced a military situation that compelled the establishment of a strongly defended frontier, the maintenance of which upset the economic balance of the province. This book is an impressive study of a province militarily uncertain, economically unviable, and politically unstable. It is also a clear, thoughtful, and eminently readable history of the Roman occupation of Britain through four centuries of existence.

Genres: History

244 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_D...

Reviews

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, interesting, a very detailed academic-like overview of Britain when ruled over by Rome.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a very deep dive into Hadrian’s Wall.

This book also debunks many assumptions about the early history of Britains “barbaric” rule before the Romans came. I think that was my most fascinating take-away.

[Glenn Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of not just the Wall, but the Roman period in Britain, the politics of Rome in relation to Britain and the demise of Roman presence on the island. Unless you are into Roman history or British history, you probably will not have a need or a desire to read this, but if you are, it was an ok book.