11-06-2009, 10:56 AM
Gents,
I'd like to open a debate on evidence for a Roman military presence in Britain after Julius Caesar's expedition but before Claudius.
We are learning more about the level of Roman material culture that was adopted in the Late 'Pre Roman' Iron Age Britain, with sites like Silchester suggesting peoples who had adopted 'Roman' lifestyles pre AD43, with all that implies, even down to eating habits, dress, building and town planning.
This doesn't necessarily add up to a military presence though.
But what would?
Are there military assemblages from early sites such as Hod Hill, Chichester and Colchester that scream pre AD43? Are there any unusual pottery assemblages from military sites which suggest a pre AD43 date?
What historical references are useful here? Salway speaks of Augustan propaganda claiming Britain under imperial control - can we interpret a level of military involvement? And how abortive was Caligula's invasion?
I'm not advocating an alternative history or conspiracy theory, but the notion of an early military presence intrigues me.
I look forward to your comment!
I'd like to open a debate on evidence for a Roman military presence in Britain after Julius Caesar's expedition but before Claudius.
We are learning more about the level of Roman material culture that was adopted in the Late 'Pre Roman' Iron Age Britain, with sites like Silchester suggesting peoples who had adopted 'Roman' lifestyles pre AD43, with all that implies, even down to eating habits, dress, building and town planning.
This doesn't necessarily add up to a military presence though.
But what would?
Are there military assemblages from early sites such as Hod Hill, Chichester and Colchester that scream pre AD43? Are there any unusual pottery assemblages from military sites which suggest a pre AD43 date?
What historical references are useful here? Salway speaks of Augustan propaganda claiming Britain under imperial control - can we interpret a level of military involvement? And how abortive was Caligula's invasion?
I'm not advocating an alternative history or conspiracy theory, but the notion of an early military presence intrigues me.
I look forward to your comment!
Tim Edwards
Leg II Avg (UK)
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.legiiavg.org.uk">http://www.legiiavg.org.uk
<a class="postlink" href="http://virtuallegionary.blogspot.com">http://virtuallegionary.blogspot.com
Leg II Avg (UK)
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.legiiavg.org.uk">http://www.legiiavg.org.uk
<a class="postlink" href="http://virtuallegionary.blogspot.com">http://virtuallegionary.blogspot.com