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Product Description
There has been a strong interest in Roman roads in Britain for centuries and a vast amount of information has been accumulated from observation and excavation. For the first time this new study analyses the data systematically and evaluates it from a highway engineering viewpoint. Hugh Davies not only provides an up-to-date account of the road system built by the Romans in Britain, he examines whether this information matches up with what we would expect of a transport system. Looking at the construction of the roads - their width, surface and drainage - as well as at their number, the author concludes that the Romans did indeed provide a high-quality service suited to the needs of civilians and soldiers alike. At the same time his study shows how the development of the road system fitted in with the layout of town plans and with the overall expansion of the province; on the whole the early military roads were constructed of lighter materials and by the end of the Roman period as many as ten layers of road surface can on occasions be detected. This accessible work, which includes a 'Gazetteer' of some 400 Roman roads, will be welcomed by anyone interested in the Romans in Britain.
From the Publisher
Roman Britain was provided with a road system comparable in total length to our modern Trunk Road and Motorway system. The road between Londinium (London) and Noviogamus (Chichester) was completed with an error of less than one degree, a feat it has often been assumed was achieved without maps.
However, little is known of when, how and even why they were built. Davies uses archaeological evidence to examine what was built and places these findings in historical context using sources from antiquity. What makes this study unique however is his use of expert knowledge from his work as a professional highway engineer to understand the significance of the roads. Davies analyses the possible methods the Romans used in order to achieve the durability and accuracy for which they are renowned, maintaining the extensive network in a working state the quality of which would not again be paralleled until the nineteenth century.
However, little is known of when, how and even why they were built. Davies uses archaeological evidence to examine what was built and places these findings in historical context using sources from antiquity. What makes this study unique however is his use of expert knowledge from his work as a professional highway engineer to understand the significance of the roads. Davies analyses the possible methods the Romans used in order to achieve the durability and accuracy for which they are renowned, maintaining the extensive network in a working state the quality of which would not again be paralleled until the nineteenth century.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Davies' book is approachable and readable, illustrated where appropriate with photographs and diagrams. It is well referenced, although I would have preferred to see references summarised at the ends of chapters rather than interspersed through the text. The study begins with what makes a good road and a summary of source material. It then examines the various physical features of roads before considering the Romano-British road network as a whole. The conclusion, as with several Tempus titles, feels rushed. This is compensated for by a good bibliography if greater detail is needed. A gazetteer of known Roman roads in Britain is a welcome inclusion. However, Davies surprisingly neglected to consider the Lex Iuliana when discussing traffic congestion in Roman towns, which would not have occurred because of that law; this left me wondering if his discussions in other areas were similarly lacking.
Overall students will find this a useful desk reference for the subject. Laymen will find it a good starting point for learning more about Roman roads in this country, particularly in the absence of a current Shire Books equivalent.
Overall students will find this a useful desk reference for the subject. Laymen will find it a good starting point for learning more about Roman roads in this country, particularly in the absence of a current Shire Books equivalent.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have no fancy academic qualifications - just an interest in British Roman Roads.
I originally had this book on loan but decided I needed a copy for my own reference. It's well worth reading a couple of times and going back to.
A different slant on the subject, more from the construction point of view, which is very valuable and comes without pre-conceptions other books bring. I like the research method used, based on facts from past excavations. It is a fairly ruthless and un-romantic approach, helping to keep you on the right road (awful pun - apologies).
I personally would have like to have seen more aerial shots, photos, maps - as I need more illustration, but this is very accessible and easy to read, whilst getting through some highly technical stuff and dealing with a number of myths that have built up around this subject.
A must read if you share this particular interest and passion.
I originally had this book on loan but decided I needed a copy for my own reference. It's well worth reading a couple of times and going back to.
A different slant on the subject, more from the construction point of view, which is very valuable and comes without pre-conceptions other books bring. I like the research method used, based on facts from past excavations. It is a fairly ruthless and un-romantic approach, helping to keep you on the right road (awful pun - apologies).
I personally would have like to have seen more aerial shots, photos, maps - as I need more illustration, but this is very accessible and easy to read, whilst getting through some highly technical stuff and dealing with a number of myths that have built up around this subject.
A must read if you share this particular interest and passion.
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