See buying choices for this item to see if it's one of the millions that are eligible for Amazon Prime.

4 used & new from £118.52
See All Buying Options
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
The End of the Western Roman Empire: An Archaeological Investigation
 
See larger image 
Share your own customer images
Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book.

The End of the Western Roman Empire: An Archaeological Investigation (Paperback)

by Ellen Swift (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Available from these sellers.


1 new from £139.85 3 used from £118.52

Product details

  • Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: The History Press LTD (23 Feb 2000)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 075241478X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0752414782
  • Product Dimensions: 24.7 x 17.4 x 1.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 1,253,673 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Product Description

From the Back Cover
Based on a range of new archaeological research (most of it carried out by the author herself), this book breaks new ground. It examines changes in the Western provinces in the fourth and early fifth centuries, which ultimately resulted in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.

First, the author investigates regional variation within the late Roman West: important differences are found between the heavily militarised provinces of the frontier and those further west, and the general shift of focus from one area to another is clearly visible as the fourth century comes to its end. In combination with other burial evidence, the movement of people can be traced through the objects they were wearing, and the activity of the Roman military on the frontiers can be investigated through badges of office - the crossbow brooch and the belt set. Even in the fourth century, the increasing importance of the Germanic-style culture is becoming apparent, corresponding to the breakdown of much Roman-inspired culture in the fifth century.

All these strands are skillfully brought together in Dr Swift's new account of the end of the Roman West and its legacy to the post0Roman world.

Ellen Swift studied archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology in London, where she was also awarded her PhD. She has worked on a variety of archaeological sites in Britain and abroad. This her first full-length book.

Tag this product

 (What's this?)
Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items.
Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
5 star:
 (2)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars The 'fashionable' demise of the Western Roman Empire, 18 Jul 2001
Dr. Swift has written an excellent book that gives the reader a whole new approach at establishing changes in the last phase of the Roman Empire in Western Europe. Illustrated with colour photos and enhanced by many maps, this great book by Ellen Swift shows the changing patterns of distribution of several typical items that made up the Late Roman dress. Ranging from the Cross-bow brooches that were so typical of the military uniform to Belt-sets, Bracelets and Beads, Swift attempts to show the change of status and popularity of these items, and the reasons behind that. Her conclusions draw a picture of changing population and military concentrations, but also a new look at fashion. Though not without risk, this method is a new approach compared to the usual way of comparing finds with the available historical information, though the author is very aware of the dangers of this new approach. The only fault I could find with the book is its very limited bibliography and its lack of notes, which make it next to useless for the scholar. However, this is the publisher's (Tempus) doing, not the author's.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars the best book I've read all year, 14 Aug 2000
By A Customer
This blew me away. Unlike most Roman archaeologists in this country, Swift can sustain an argument at the same time as making it exciting and provocative. The last chapter is a triumph....
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting stuff, 14 Aug 2000
By A Customer
Swift's account of the decline of a decadent civilisation is fascinating as well as eerily contemporary....this is a brilliant book, lucidly presented and accessible to the general reader. I recommend it.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

Health & Beauty at Amazon.co.uk

Elemis Resurface and Renew Skin Care Gift Set of 4 Products
From soap to shavers, massagers to mascara, stock up on your daily essentials or truly pamper yourself.

›Discover Health & Beauty

  

Let Olay Amaze You

Olay Total Effects Day Moisturiser SPF15 50ml
Amazon.co.uk sells all your favourite ranges from Olay, including Regenerist and Total Effects.

›Discover Olay at Amazon.co.uk

  

A Close Shave

Philips Nivea Coolskin HS8060 Moisturizing Rotary Shaving System
For all types of hair removal, stay smooth with Amazon.co.uk.

›Discover Shaving & Hair Removal

  

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue Shopping: Top Sellers
The Girl Who Played with Fire
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
4.5 out of 5 stars (74)£3.86
 Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga)
Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer
4.1 out of 5 stars (464)£6.49
 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
4.1 out of 5 stars (165)£3.99
 The Host
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
4.2 out of 5 stars (81)£3.86

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates