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by Paul Coby.
Hardback (7.2×9.9 inches). 257 pages. 2022.
What a marvelous systematic plotting of Roman forts and Roman roads in Wales and Scotland. Better yet, the forts are specified by size, and hence, troops assigned. All this gets rolled into an analysis of Roman success or failure in conquering Wales and Scotland.
Five case studies form the core of the book: Scapula’s Failed Conquest of Wales, Gallus’ Containment of Wales, Frontinus’ Conquest of Wales, Agricola’s Expeditions in Scotland with later abandonment, and recapture of Scottish Lowlands to Antonine Wall with later abandonment back to Hadrian’s Wall. In each one, Roman strategy receives a dissection of success and failure, in part with construction of forts of varying sizes and capabilities.
The second half of the book discusses the database and cartographic plotting methodologies that generate the interpretations and speculations of Roman strategy. These British fortification efforts are then compared to other Roman efforts at conquest across the Empire. Most of the British forts are located about 30km or so apart, or about a day’s march.
One typo: “north the nall” (p161) is likely “north of the wall.”
The book contains 17 color photos, 17 color illustrations, and 64 color maps with many repeats in the summary section at the end of the book.
You don’t build and hold an empire without some proven military practices and policies. These procedures were common and used throughout the empire. Complete pacification would take generations, but as the five studies showed, the commander’s ability and clear Imperial support affected the success of subjugation. It’s all neatly done.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
