Classical Caledonia: Roman History and Myth in Eighteenth-Century Scotland

by Alan Montgomery

This book focuses on early modern attitudes towards Scotland's ancient past and looks in particular at the ways in which this past was not only misunderstood, but also manipulated in attempts to create a patriotic history for the nation. Adding a new perspective on the formation of Scotland's national identity, the book documents a century-long, often heated debate regarding the extent of Roman influence north of Hadrian's Wall. By exploring the lives and writings of antiquarians, poets and Enlightenment thinkers, it aims to uncover the political, patriotic and intellectual influences which fuelled this debate. Classical Caledonia casts a light on a rarely discussed aspect of Scotland's historiography, one which played a vital role in establishing early modern notions of 'Scottishness' at a time when Scotland was coming to terms with radical and traumatic changes to its position within Britain and the wider world.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2020

About the author

Alan Montgomery grew up in Edinburgh but has lived for many years in London. He has been fascinated by history ever since childhood, his love of the subject inspired by Scotland's rich collection of historical monuments. He studied History of Art at Glasgow University, then worked for many years in the art world at both an international auction house and an antique dealer. In recent years he has returned academia and indulged his passion for the ancient past, achieving an MA in Classical Civilisation and completing a Ph.D. in which he analyzed eighteenth-century attitudes towards the ancient Roman world. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 2017.