An examination of Magnus Maximus's life indicates that the Roman order survived in Britain for far longer than is usually credited, both politically and to a large extent materially.

St Helena, mother of Constantine the Great and legendary finder of the True Cross, was appropriated in the middle ages as a British saint. The rise and persistence of this legend harnessed Helena's imperial and sacred status to portray her as a romance heroine, source of national pride, and a legitimising link to imperial Rome. This study is the first to examine the origins, development, political exploitation and decline of this legend, tracing its momentum and adaptive power from Anglo-Saxon England to the twentieth century. Using Latin, English, and Welsh texts, as well as church dedications and visual arts, the author examines the positive effect of the British legend on the cult of St Helena and the reasons for its wide appeal and durability in both secular and religious contexts. Two previously unpublished vitae of St Helena are included in the volume: a Middle English verse vita from the South English Legendary, and a Latin prose vita by the twelfth-century hagiographer, Jocelin of Furness. Antonina Harbus is Professor in the Department of English at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

The emperor Theodosius I (AD 379–395) was one of the most remarkable figures of the late antique period. In the face of religious schism, political turmoil, and barbarian threats he managed to maintain imperial power and forge a political dynasty that would dominate both east and west for over half a century. This study, the first English language biography in over twenty years, traces his rise to power and tumultuous reign, and examines his indelible impact on a rapidly changing empire.

This handy reference provides full access to the 1,200 years of Roman rule from the 8th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., including information on art, literature, law, and engineering. 150 illustrations.

Examines the fundamental question of what held the societies of the post-Roman world together.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating saga of "The History of Wales," a spellbinding book that weaves together the rich tapestry of this ancient and resilient nation. From its mystical landscapes and majestic castles to its legendary heroes and vibrant culture, this enthralling narrative will leave readers spellbound and immersed in the heart of Wales' fascinating past. With meticulous research and a masterful storytelling approach, this book unravels the mysteries of Wales' origins, delving into the annals of time to explore the ancient Celtic tribes and their captivating folklore. Experience the rise of mighty kings and the echoes of legendary battles that have echoed through the ages, shaping the indomitable spirit of the Welsh people. As you journey through the ages, you will encounter the poetic brilliance of the bards and immerse yourself in the melodious tunes of traditional music, experiencing the artistic prowess that has flourished in this storied land. "The History of Wales" is not just a chronicle of events; it is a celebration of the enduring cultural heritage that has left an indelible mark on the world. Discover the struggles and triumphs that have defined Wales' identity and forged a strong sense of unity among its people. From the pages of this book, you will gain a deep appreciation for the language, art, and architecture that continue to make Wales a captivating beacon of history and tradition. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike, "The History of Wales" promises an immersive and enlightening experience, breathing life into a past that continues to shape the present. Whether you're drawn to tales of heroism and adventure or yearn to understand the essence of a nation that holds its history dear, this book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to uncover the soul of Wales. Journey through time and explore the essence of a land steeped in mystery, beauty, and resilience. "The History of Wales" will transport you through the centuries, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of this remarkable nation.

The bestselling author of The King in the North turns his attention to the obscure era of British history known as 'the age of Arthur'. 'Not just a valuable book, but a distinctive one as well' Tom Holland, Sunday Times 'An accessible and illuminating book' Gerard de Groot, The Times 'A fascinating picture of Britain's new-found independence' This England Somewhere between the departure of the Roman legions in the early fifth century and the arrival of Augustine's Christian mission at the end of the sixth, the kingdoms of Early Medieval Britain were formed. But by whom? And out of what? The First Kingdom is a skilfully wrought investigation of this mysterious epoch, synthesizing archaeological research carried out over the last forty years to tease out reality from the myth. Max Adams presents an image of post-Roman Britain whose resolution is high enough to show the emergence of distinct political structures in the sixth century – polities that survive long enough to be embedded in the medieval landscape, recorded in the lines of river, road and watershed, and memorialized in place names.

"The Monetary System of the Romans" provides a comprehensive and visual portrayal of the evolution of the Roman monetary system from its inception in the late fifth century BC to the bronze reform of Anastasius in 498AD. It chronologically traces the key developments in the coinage of the Roman world, covering topics such as denominations, metrology, alloys, mints, monetary edicts and more. For every issuing authority, whether it be the Senate, imperator, usurper or emperor, exemplary specimens of each denomination are discussed and clearly illustrated. With 820 pages and over 2000 full colour high resolution photographs from the world's most esteemed auction houses, this novel format provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject of Roman numismatics and will be useful to both students of history and collectors alike.

'Violence' is virtually synonymous in the popular imagination with the period of the Later Roman Empire-a time when waves of barbarian invaders combined with urban mobs and religious zealots to bring an end to centuries of peace and serenity. All of these images come together in the Visigothic sack of the city of Rome in A.D. 410, a date commonly used for the fall of the entire empire. But was this period in fact as violent as it has been portrayed? A new generation of scholars in the field of Late Antiquity has called into question the standard narrative, pointing to evidence of cultural continuity and peaceful interaction between "barbarians" and Romans, Christians and pagans. To assess the state of this question, the fifth biennial 'Shifting Frontiers' conference was devoted to the theme of 'Violence in Late Antiquity'. Conferees addressed aspects of this question from standpoints as diverse as archaeology and rhetoric, anthropology and economics. A selection of the papers then delivered have been prepared for the present volume, along with others commissioned for the purpose and a concluding essay by Martin Zimmerman, reflecting on the theme of the book. The four sections on Defining Violence, 'Legitimate' Violence, Violence and Rhetoric, and Religious Violence are each introduced by a theme essay from a leading scholar in the field. While offering no definitive answer to the question of violence in Late Antiquity, the papers in this volume aim to stimulate a fresh look at this age-old problem.