Rome Beyond the Imperial Frontiers by Sir Mortimer Wheeler (Vintage 1955 Edition)

“Rome Beyond the Imperial Frontiers” is a book by Sir Mortimer Wheeler, a renowned British archaeologist and scholar. The book was first published in 1954 and is considered to be a seminal work in the field of Roman archaeology.

The book explores the Roman Empire’s expansion beyond its traditional borders, examining the ways in which Rome came into contact with and interacted with various peoples and cultures on the fringes of its empire. Sir Mortimer Wheeler argues that these interactions were complex and nuanced, and that they shaped both the Roman Empire and the cultures with which it came into contact.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including Roman military campaigns in Britain, the impact of Roman trade on the peoples of North Africa, and the cultural exchanges that took place between Rome and the various peoples of the Near East. Sir Mortimer Wheeler also explores the role that archaeology can play in illuminating the history of these interactions, drawing on his own extensive experience excavating Roman sites throughout the world.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that the Roman Empire was not simply a monolithic entity imposing its will on the rest of the world, but rather a complex network of interactions and negotiations between Rome and the peoples with which it came into contact. Sir Mortimer Wheeler argues that the study of these interactions is crucial for understanding the history of the Roman Empire and its impact on the wider world.

Overall, “Rome Beyond the Imperial Frontiers” is a seminal work in the field of Roman archaeology, offering valuable insights into the complex interactions that took place between Rome and the peoples and cultures on the fringes of its empire. Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s expertise and engaging writing style make this an accessible and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the history of the Roman Empire.