Vandal Heaven: Reinterpreting Post-Roman North Africa

North Africa was a rich part of the Roman Empire, but its loss to the Vandals in the 5th century AD precipitated the fall of the western empire. New research shows that post-Roman North Africa thrived under the Vandals, who found a way to live comfortably alongside the late Roman inhabitants. The Byzantines werent welcome when they returned, and evidence of this is seen in the surviving built environments. Dr Elliott presents a new interpretation of post-Roman North Africa, arguing that the region today came to be part of the Arab world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2024
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

North Africa, a vibrant region within the Roman Empire, held immense wealth and significance. It served as a prosperous agricultural hub, dominating the Mediterranean region. This land was also the residence of some of the most magnificent imperial estates and bustling cities, showcasing a diverse tapestry of culture and prosperity. However, the downfall of North Africa to the Vandals in the early 5th century AD marked a pivotal moment that set the stage for the decline of the Western Empire. This devastating loss marked a significant setback for the Eastern Empire, causing it to lag behind for decades. The obsession with reclaiming North Africa became a driving force for each new emperor in Constantinople. Despite numerous attempts, the Eastern Romans struggled to restore the region to its former glory. It was not until the reign of Justinian I in the AD 530s that North Africa finally regained its place within the Roman fold. While the restoration was brief, it was widely celebrated as a positive development, marking a new chapter in the region's history.

However, recent research has shed light on a different perspective. It reveals that post-Roman North Africa experienced a period of thriving under the Vandal rule. The Vandals, who embraced a distinct interpretation of Christianity, found a way to coexist peacefully with the late Roman inhabitants. They established a harmonious society, blending their own cultural practices with those of the Roman Empire. This fusion of cultures led to a period of prosperity and growth, as the two communities collaborated and exchanged ideas.

When the Eastern Romans, now known as the Byzantines, returned to North Africa, they encountered resistance. The surviving built environments, such as chains of small forts along the frontier and interior, serve as evidence of the Byzantines' attempts to maintain control over the local population. The Byzantines employed mounted troops to suppress the unhappy local population, reflecting their unwelcome presence.

Dr. Elliott presents a fresh interpretation of post-Roman North Africa, challenging the conventional understanding of the region. He argues that North Africa's transition to the Arab world occurred differently compared to the regions along the northern Mediterranean freeboard, which have retained their Roman identity. Dr. Elliott's compelling argument provides valuable insights into the complex history and cultural dynamics of North Africa, shedding light on the region's journey from Roman to Arab dominance.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636242873