The Eagle and the Bear: A New History of Roman Scotland

The inhabitants of North Britain faced the might of Rome for over three centuries, resulting in some of the most extraordinary archaeology of the ancient world. This new history of Roman Scotland explores the complex, often tumultuous, and frequently brutal interaction between the world's first superpower and the peoples who lived north of Hadrian's Wall. It offers thought-provoking re-assessments of many aspects of the story of the Romans in Scotland, from the loss of the IXth Legion to the reasons for building and maintaining Hadrian's Wall.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

For over three centuries, the inhabitants of North Britain endured the formidable presence of Rome, yielding some of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the ancient world. This captivating new history of Roman Scotland delves into the intricate, often turbulent, and frequently brutal interplay between the world's first superpower and the people who inhabited the regions north of Hadrian's Wall. Drawing upon the latest research and showcasing all the key sites, it presents thought-provoking reevaluations of various aspects of the Roman presence in Scotland, ranging from the tragic loss of the IXth Legion and the motivations behind constructing and sustaining Hadrian's Wall to exploring what drove at least four Roman emperors to personally visit the farthest reaches of the empire.

The Roman occupation of Scotland lasted for over three centuries, from the 1st century AD to the 5th century AD. During this time, the Roman Empire expanded its influence into the British Isles, and Scotland became a part of the Roman province of Britannia. The Roman influence on Scotland was profound, and it left a lasting legacy that can be seen in the architecture, art, and culture of the region.

One of the most significant impacts of the Roman occupation was the construction of Hadrian's Wall. Built in the 2nd century AD, Hadrian's Wall was a massive defensive barrier that stretched across the northern border of Scotland. The wall was designed to protect the Roman Empire from invasion by the Picts, a group of Celtic tribes who lived in the north of Scotland.

Hadrian's Wall was built using a combination of stone, earth, and timber. It was approximately 73 miles long and 10 feet high, and it featured a series of fortifications, including watchtowers, troop barracks, and gates. The wall also had a ditch on either side, which was filled with water to prevent the passage of troops and animals.

The Roman occupation of Scotland also had a significant impact on the economy of the region. The construction of Hadrian's Wall required a large workforce, and many Roman soldiers were stationed in Scotland to maintain and protect the wall. This led to the development of a Roman town, known as Antonine Wall, which was located near the wall's southern end.

Antonine Wall was a major trading center, and it was home to a large population of Roman soldiers and civilians. The town was also home to a Roman temple, a public bathhouse, and a marketplace. The town was eventually abandoned in the 4th century AD, but its ruins can still be seen today.

The Roman occupation of Scotland also had a significant impact on the culture of the region. Many Roman customs and traditions were adopted by the Scottish people, including the use of Latin as a language, the adoption of Roman gods and goddesses, and the introduction of Roman sports and games.

One of the most famous Roman monuments in Scotland is the Antonine Wall. Built in the 2nd century AD, the wall was a massive defensive barrier that stretched across the northern border of Scotland. The wall was designed to protect the Roman Empire from invasion by the Picts, a group of Celtic tribes who lived in the north of Scotland.

The wall was built using a combination of stone, earth, and timber. It was approximately 73 miles long and 10 feet high, and it featured a series of fortifications, including watchtowers, troop barracks, and gates. The wall also had a ditch on either side, which was filled with water to prevent the passage of troops and animals.

The Roman occupation of Scotland also had a significant impact on the economy of the region. The construction of Hadrian's Wall required a large workforce, and many Roman soldiers were stationed in Scotland to maintain and protect the wall. This led to the development of a Roman town, known as Antonine Wall, which was located near the wall's southern end.

Antonine Wall was a major trading center, and it was home to a large population of Roman soldiers and civilians. The town was also home to a Roman temple, a public bathhouse, and a marketplace. The town was eventually abandoned in the 4th century AD, but its ruins can still be seen today.

The Roman occupation of Scotland also had a significant impact on the culture of the region. Many Roman customs and traditions were adopted by the Scottish people, including the use of Latin as a language, the adoption of Roman gods and goddesses, and the introduction of Roman sports and games.

In conclusion, the Roman occupation of Scotland lasted for over three centuries, from the 1st century AD to the 5th century AD. During this time, the Roman Empire expanded its influence into the British Isles, and Scotland became a part of the Roman province of Britannia. The Roman influence on Scotland was profound, and it left a lasting legacy that can be seen in the architecture, art, and culture of the region.

One of the most significant impacts of the Roman occupation was the construction of Hadrian's Wall. Built in the 2nd century AD, Hadrian's Wall was a massive defensive barrier that stretched across the northern border of Scotland. The wall was designed to protect the Roman Empire from invasion by the Picts, a group of Celtic tribes who lived in the north of Scotland.

Hadrian's Wall was built using a combination of stone, earth, and timber. It was approximately 73 miles long and 10 feet high, and it featured a series of fortifications, including watchtowers, troop barracks, and gates. The wall also had a ditch on either side, which was filled with water to prevent the passage of troops and animals.

The Roman occupation of Scotland also had a significant impact on the economy of the region. The construction of Hadrian's Wall required a large workforce, and many Roman soldiers were stationed in Scotland to maintain and protect the wall. This led to the development of a Roman town, known as Antonine Wall, which was located near the wall's southern end.

Antonine Wall was a major trading center, and it was home to a large population of Roman soldiers and civilians. The town was also home to a Roman temple, a public bathhouse, and a marketplace. The town was eventually abandoned in the 4th century AD, but its ruins can still be seen today.

The Roman occupation of Scotland also had a significant impact on the culture of the region. Many Roman customs and traditions were adopted by the Scottish people, including the use of Latin as a language, the adoption of Roman gods and goddesses, and the introduction of Roman sports and games.

In conclusion, the Roman occupation of Scotland was a significant period in the history of the region. The construction of Hadrian's Wall, the development of Antonine Wall, and the adoption of Roman customs and traditions by the Scottish people all left a lasting legacy that can still be seen today. The Roman occupation of Scotland is a fascinating subject that continues to be studied and explored by historians and archaeologists.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 246 x 190 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780278148