Overview

One of the key themes of this module is the interaction between the Roman army and native populations, and the subsequent evolution of distinct frontier societies. Contextualisation will be central to the investigation of the archaeology. Examination of material evidence from military and civilian sites will include settlement, burial and environmental evidence. Iconographic and epigraphic evidence will also be examined, as will contemporary written sources (e.g. the Vindolanda letters). Key issues explored will centre on continuity and change, and topics will include syncretism and native resistance. The history of Roman scholarship and its influence on perceptions of frontier life forms an important aspect of this course, with particular emphasis given to current post-colonial approaches.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the archaeology of the Roman frontiers of Britain, together with a critical understanding of the key issues and concepts within modern scholarship in this field

• Discern the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical approaches.

• Form archaeological arguments and support them with solid evidence.

• Show an awareness that archaeological evidence can be interpreted in different ways (with particular attention paid to the development of Romano-British society).