This book tells the fascinating story of Roman Britain, beginning with the late pre-Roman Iron Age and ending with the province's independence from Roman rule in AD 409. Incorporating for the first time the most recent archaeological discoveries from Hadrian's Wall, London and other sites across the country, and richly illustrated throughout with photographs and maps, this reliable and up-to-date new account is essential reading for students, non-specialists and general readers alike. Writing in a clear, readable and lively style (with a satirical eye to strange features of past times), Rupert Jackson draws on current research and new findings to deepen our understanding of the role played by Britain in the Roman Empire, deftly integrating the ancient texts with new archaeological material. A key theme of the book is that Rome's annexation of Britain was an imprudent venture, motivated more by political prestige than economic gain, such that Britain became a 'trophy province' unable to pay its own way. However, the impact that Rome and its provinces had on this distant island was nevertheless profound: huge infrastructure projects transformed the countryside and means of travel, capital and principal cities emerged, and the Roman way of life was inseparably absorbed into local traditions. Many of those transformations continue to resonate to this day, as we encounter their traces in both physical remains and in civic life.

"This book tells the fascinating story of Roman Britain, beginning with the late pre-Roman Iron Age and ending with the province's independence from Roman rule in AD 409. Incorporating for the first time the most recent archaeological discoveries from Hadrian's Wall, London and other sites across the country, and richly illustrated throughout with photographs and maps, this reliable and up-to-date new account is essential reading for students, non-specialists and general readers alike. Writing in a clear, readable and lively style, Rupert Jackson draws on current research and new findings to deepen our understanding of the role played by Britain in the Roman Empire, deftly integrating the ancient texts with new archaeological material. A key theme of the book is that Rome's annexation of Britain was an imprudent venture, motivated more by political prestige than economic gain, such that Britain became a 'trophy province' unable to pay its own way. However, the impact that Rome and its provinces had on this distant island was nevertheless profound: huge infrastructure projects transformed the countryside and means of travel, capital and principal cities emerged, and the Roman way of life was inseparably absorbed into local traditions. Many of those transformations continue to resonate to this day, as we encounter their traces in both physical remains and in civic life"--

Scholars have been intrigued by the similarities between the Celtic religious traditions and those developed in Egypt, Palestine and Asia Minor during the first Christian millenium. Jacob Ghazarian shows that despite limitations of geography, links between the opposite ends of the Christian world were extensive.

"The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History is the most comprehensive and authoritative reference book of its kind. Newly structured for ease of use, it includes overviews on names, black and Asian family history, and links between British and American families, as well as a useful guide for beginners wishing to trace their family tree." "This book offers valuable research tips, a full background to the social history of communities and individuals, and hundreds of entry-level web links to helpful and relevant online resources. Other research tools include an up-to-date appendix that lists all national and local record offices with full contact details." "Featuring practical and contextual information, The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History is essential reading for genealogists wanting advice on how to approach research and for anyone interested in the social history of the British Isles."--BOOK JACKET.