Ancient History & Civilisation

Journey to Britannia: From the Heart of Rome to Hadrian's Wall, AD 130

Journey to Britannia: From the Heart of Rome to Hadrian's Wall, AD 130

It is AD 130. Rome is the dazzling heart of a vast empire and Hadrian its most complex and compelling ruler. Faraway Britannia is one of the Romans' most troublesome provinces: here the sun is seldom seen and 'the atmosphere in the country is always gloomy'.

What awaits the traveller to Britannia? How will you get there? What do you need to pack? What language will you speak? How does London compare to Rome? Are there any tourist attractions? And what dangers lurk behind Hadrian's new Wall?

Combining an extensive range of Greek and Latin sources with a sound understanding of archaeology, Bronwen Riley describes an epic journey from Rome to Hadrian's Wall at Britannia's – and the empire's – northwestern frontier. In this strikingly original snapshot of Roman Britain, she brings vividly to life the smells, sounds, colours and textures of travel in the second century AD.

Introduction: Evoking the Past

Chapter 1. Rome, Heart of Empire

Chapter 2. Setting Sail from Ostia

Chapter 3. Through Gaul to Ocean

Chapter 4. Arrival in Britannia

Chapter 5. London, Seat of Power

Chapter 6. Westwards to Silchester

Chapter 7. Bath, a Tourist Hotspot

Chapter 8. The Fortress and Amphitheatre at Caerleon

Chapter 9. A New Forum at Wroxeter, Capital of Cattle Country

Chapter 10. To the Wall

Postscript: Beyond AD 130: People, Politics and Places

Checklist of Latin and English Place Names

Bibliography

Notes to the Text

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