The Eagle and the Bear: A New History of Roman Scotland [Paperback]

For over three centuries, the inhabitants of North Britain faced the might of Rome, resulting in some of the most extraordinary archaeology of the ancient world.This richly illustrated new history of Roman Scotland explores the complex, often tumultuous and frequently brutal interaction between the world's first superpower and the peoples who lived north of Hadrian's Wall.With reference to the latest research and featuring all the key sites, it offers though-provoking re-assessments of many aspects of the story of the Romans in Scotland, from the loss of the IXth Legion and the reasons for building and maintaining Hadrian's Wall, to considering what spurred at least four Roman emperors to personally visit the edge of the empire.For over three centuries, the inhabitants of North Britain faced the might of Rome, resulting in some of the most extraordinary archaeology of the ancient world. This book explores the complex, tumultuous, and brutal interaction between the worlds first superpower and the peoples who would ultimately form the country we now call Scotland. Superbly researched, accessibly written and thoughtfully and convincingly argued, this book presents a chronological history of the Romans in Scotland. A new detailed history of Roman Scotland, offer[ing] an opportunity to re-examine the legend. [A] comprehensive, accessible, and thought-provoking study... ...offers thought-provoking re-assessments of the loss of the IXth Legion, the reasons for building Hadrian's Wall, and why at least four Roman emperors personally visited the edge of the empire. ...sifts through the evidence for the impact of the Romans on the country that would become Scotland... [S]heds new life on brutal conflict. [A] comprehensive, accessible and thought-provoking study'a new and thought-provoking history of Roman Scotland by an acclaimed expert'Reid has an enjoyable writing style... he also tackled areas of scholarly dispute head-on, outlining rather than glossing over key contrl³j