The story of the Claudian Conquest of Britain was only partly recorded by ancient historians. Tacitus' Annals breaks off at the death of Tiberius, while the narrative of Cassius Dio survives only as a collection of selected pieces. Much of this missing knowledge has been recaptured by archaeological research. As a result, we have a better understanding of the tribal society which then existed in Britain, and this can help us to appreciate the courses of military action open to Aulus Plautius, the commanding Roman general. There are other important military factors which would have affected Plautius' choice of options: logistical, geographical, political. In this innovative and much acclaimed study John Peddie argues that the organisation and supply problems of a task force of some 40,000 men and several thousand animals would broadly have dictated Roman tactics. He discusses what these may have been, examines the reason's for Vespasian's seemingly isolated foray into the West Country, and suggests that Caratacus' guerilla campaign (AD 43-52) denied the Romans their hope of a speedy conquest
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About the Author
John Peddie was a retired regular infantry officer, who also wrote 'Hannibal's War', 'The Roman War Machine' and 'Alfred: Warrior King.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By "dafyn"
Format:Hardcover
Until I recently sat an Archaeology A level, I gave only a passing thought about the Roman period other than dates and the physical remains they left behind.
'Conquest' certainly brings the age to life. The descriptions of the conditions endured by the natives and the Roman soldiers are nothing less than vivid.
As the book unfolds, it illustrates how close the Roman army came to not invading at all.
Not only does the book cover written accounts or simply hypothesise, Mr Peddie, a former soldier, goes all out to prove how the Roman war machine functioned, going so far as to demonstrate how long it would have taken to build roads from the Kent coast to London, using a combination of equations and a team of willing volunteers and re-enactors to prove his findings.
Not only are the movements of fighting men covered but the minute details of logistics,artillery and siege tactics along with how they were employed.
The story of the invasion of Britain has everything, action, adventure and even romance, all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster. (Is George Lucas interested)
Even as a general read this book works well and is accessible to anyone with a passing interest in the period. Overall this book thoroughly deserves it's five stars.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Conquest: The Roman Invasion of Britain
As someone who has an interest in Roman Britain I had always wondered what kind of task a full on invasion was. We have all seen stories of D-Day etc and I wondered what was different for the Romans...now I know!
This book covers all aspects from planning the routes, reassuring the Roman legionaries (who really didn't want to invade, not just because of the weather as it seems in "Carry on Cleo") to provisions needed to support invaders, political considerations (was it really an invasion or an open invitation and request for assistance by deposed tribal leaders?)
All in all a very well informed and soundly reasoned book, well worth the read.
As someone who has an interest in Roman Britain I had always wondered what kind of task a full on invasion was. We have all seen stories of D-Day etc and I wondered what was different for the Romans...now I know!
This book covers all aspects from planning the routes, reassuring the Roman legionaries (who really didn't want to invade, not just because of the weather as it seems in "Carry on Cleo") to provisions needed to support invaders, political considerations (was it really an invasion or an open invitation and request for assistance by deposed tribal leaders?)
All in all a very well informed and soundly reasoned book, well worth the read.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Je Salter
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Being a history geek and especially of the Roman era and in particular the British history, I had to get this book. The trouble with most books of this nature is that although theyre packed full of names and dates, they dont really tell you much about the people or the mechanics of the time.
This book is different and goes into detail concerning the two aborted attempts by the Romans to conquer Britain before they partially suceeded. Julius Caesers two invasions were repelled and this book covers them. It also explains that had circumstances been different the third invasion would have failed as well had it not been for the southern tribes believing it wouldnt happen. They left their defences, went home as the Romans were refusing to board ships, leaving the way eventually open to walk ashore.
A lot is known about the period but even more isn't for one reason or another. Britain was at the edge of the Empire and in fact was never actually conquered by Rome fully and it wasnt just the Scots who refused to give in. It wasnt just Scots (Picts) that covered themselves in Woad either contrary to popular belief.
This book gives probably one of the best insights into Rome and Britain and if you like this sort of thing its really worth buying!
This book is different and goes into detail concerning the two aborted attempts by the Romans to conquer Britain before they partially suceeded. Julius Caesers two invasions were repelled and this book covers them. It also explains that had circumstances been different the third invasion would have failed as well had it not been for the southern tribes believing it wouldnt happen. They left their defences, went home as the Romans were refusing to board ships, leaving the way eventually open to walk ashore.
A lot is known about the period but even more isn't for one reason or another. Britain was at the edge of the Empire and in fact was never actually conquered by Rome fully and it wasnt just the Scots who refused to give in. It wasnt just Scots (Picts) that covered themselves in Woad either contrary to popular belief.
This book gives probably one of the best insights into Rome and Britain and if you like this sort of thing its really worth buying!
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