Defying Rome: The Rebels of Roman Britain

by Guy de la Bédoyère

Roman Britain’s most notable characteristic—at least in the eyes of the Romans—was that not only was it the most remote province, but it was also the most recalcitrant. The rebels of Roman Britain came in many forms from, most famously, Boudica and Caratacus, who wanted the Romans out, to Allectus and Carausius, whose rebellions were inspired by gaining power within the empire. Weaving together archaeology and contemporary documents and literature, Guy de la Bédoyère reveals why Britain was such a hotbed of dissent under Roman rule.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Roman Britain, Roman, Classical Studies

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Guy de la Bédoyère is author of a widely admired series of books on Roman history. He appeared regularly on the UK’s Channel 4 archaeology series Time Team and is well known in the United States for his volume The Romans for Dummies. His latest books are Gladius. Living, Fighting, and Dying in the Roman Army (2020), and Pharaohs of the Sun. How Egypt's Despots and Dreamers Drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun's Dynasty (2022). He lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK.

Reviews

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly fascinating read into the history of Roman-Britain and the various rebels, usurpers, emperors, caesers, and other leaders who emerged from the British Isles during the history of the Roman Empire. It definitely whet my appetite to learn more about this period in time.

[Terence · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars:

Not much to say about this book. While there's nothing "wrong" with it, I can't say there's much "right." The book is divided into 14 chapters of defiance to Roman rule and a 15th, concluding essay. Some of the selections I found odd, particularly the chapter on the XIV Gemina legion. It had made a name for itself in Boudicca's rebellion but had already been recalled to the continent when it was on the losing side in the civil war of 68-69, and its connection to Britain as a seedbed of revolt tenuous at best.

The chief failure is that Bedoyere doesn't carry his analysis of Britain and its place in the empire far enough. Instead he settles for a facile, "accepted wisdom" approach, and has an extremely annoying, colloquial way of writing. For example, in many of the essays and in the final chapter, the author mentions the exclusion of the British elites from the empirewide political stratum but doesn't explain its consequences or consider why this might be so, and why the condition persisted for the four centuries Britain remained part of Rome's dominions.

It may be of passing interest to someone who might otherwise have no familiarity with Roman Britain but to anyone with such a background (or a broader one in general empire history) it's something of a disappointment.

[Barbara Glawe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crash course in Britain-Roman history! With my lack of intimate knowledge of Roman progression, the chapters were chronologically ordered to help me absorb the immense information given by the author. Easy to read. Thought provoking. Insightful. I’m glad I read it.

[Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting interludes, dry otherwise. I found it somewhat cynical in perspective. If you are interested in coinage, read this.

[John Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defying Rome is an excellent book that highlights the main protagonists who for one reason or another fought the greatest superpower the world had at that point in time. Written by Guy de la Bedoyere (Roman Historian and Time Team) it covers the periods from Caesars attempts at invasion up until the empire fell and the reasons for the attempts at invasion/occupation.

It is a beautifully illustrated document with both colour and black and white photographs/diagrams and shows which tribal regions capitulated to the invasion, and there were many and those who fought the occupation. The main characters/regions covered are:

Cassivellaunus - Fought Caesar
Caratacus - AD43 - AD51 Invasion
Boudica - Iceni Revolt AD60-61
Venutius - Husband of Cartimandua (Betrayer of Caratactus)
The Silures
The Ordovices
The Northern Tribes
The Picts

If you have any interest in the subject, I would whole heartedley recommend this book. It is written in an 'easy to read format' and shows that the Romans didn't have everything their own way to say the least. Infact it demonstrates that had many tribes not surrendered as they did, Britain would more than likely be a lot different than the place we find today.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 2 out of 5]

I originally picked up this book when searching for texts on Boudica. I really tried to continue, but found I lost interest not long after her chapter ended. I wanted to keep reading, but I think I am finding as I am getting older that my tastes in reading are changing. Rome just is not as interesting to me as it was when I was younger and there are other subjects I would rather spend my time on. The writing of this text is a bit dry, but for someone who is interested in this subject, you will find the content interesting and I'd encourage you to give it a read. It just isn't for me anymore.