In-Depth Notes: The Roman Empire at the Edges in Northwest Europe

Overview of the Roman Empire in Northwest Europe

  • Presented by Dr. Tanja Romankiewicz, University of Edinburgh
  • Focuses on the edges of the Roman Empire during the Iron Age in temperate Europe

Rome and the Iron Age

  • Examination of key locations in northwest Europe during the Roman Republic
  • Major settlements discussed:
    • Oppida: Fortified settlements indicative of urban development, including:
    • Stare Hradisko
    • Manching
    • Lutetia (modern-day Paris)
    • Alesia (site of a significant battle)
  • Emphasis on economic and political ambitions of Rome during this period
  • Map of resources during the Late Republic shows nuanced interactions of various cultures

Expansion and Military Presence

  • Under Hadrian, the greatest expanse of the Roman Empire is observed
  • Expansion into southern Britain under Antoninus Pius:
    • Construction of Antonine Wall (AD 138-140) in Scotland
    • Notable archaeological finds such as the Bridgeness Distance Slab

Interpretations of Sources

  • Different perspectives on Julius Caesar’s writings in De Bello Gallico:
    • Real-life military campaigns vs. political propaganda
  • Discussion on frontier art and its implications for understanding the conquest of new territories

Conflict and Archaeological Evidence

  • Exploration of conflicts in frontier zones illustrated by archaeological data (e.g., Burnswark Lead Readings)
    • Tools such as metal detectors reveal distributions of artifacts, informing about disputes and military actions

Frontier Life and Multiculturalism

  • Analysis of Roman frontiers as both contested landscapes and spaces of cultural inclusivity
    • Hingley (2010) and Modood (2007) highlight the multicultural aspects of frontier societies
  • The presence of diverse communities and their mingling with the Roman military

Key Structures and Remains

  • Overview of architectural layouts in Roman forts (e.g., Vindolanda):
    • Examples of buildings, barracks, granaries, and churches indicate urban design and community life
    • Importance of the course of Roman roads in connecting settlements

The Role of Walls and Identity

  • Examination of the purpose of Hadrian’s Wall and its implications for control, prestige, and security
    • Discussion on how the role of the wall changed over time with the flow of cultural identities

Diplomatic Relations and Cultural Exchanges

  • Analysis of tribal relations and potential collaborations between Romans and native tribes
  • How Roman influence manifested in Pictish treasures and other forms of art, indicating transformation and interaction post-conquest
    • Notable mentions of archaeological finds such as the Dairsie hoard

Conclusion

  • The development of Roman frontier culture is complex - involving conflict, collaboration, and transformation of identities over time
  • Encouragement for further reading on specific archaeological discoveries and their context within the larger framework of the Roman influence in Britain and beyond.