Roman Scotland

Views of Roman Britain often stop at Hadrian’s Wall. This book explores the furthest limits of the Roman Empire much further north, up to Scotland's central belt and deep into the north-east and beyond, reshaping our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. Successive armies sought to conquer and control a land that never became fully absorbed into the Empire. The story of Roman Scotland is about much more than forts, frontiers and invading armies. It is also the story of the people who already lived there and of the diverse communities drawn from across the Roman world who found themselves living at the edge of Empire.

Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire explores this complex and changing frontier through the remarkable objects and archaeological discoveries that survive from it. From attempts at conquest and the building of the Antonine Wall to the everyday lives of soldiers, families, traders and craftspeople, it examines how communities were supplied, how people dressed and ate, what they believed, and how local societies responded to the presence of Rome. Key to the story is the 2nd century AD Roman fort at Inveresk, including the discovery of the extraordinary temple to Mithras, offering new insights into life and belief on Rome’s northern frontier.

Bringing together the latest archaeological research with the stories of objects and individuals, the book traces the encounters, exchanges and conflicts that shaped Roman Scotland, before considering Rome’s withdrawal, the rediscovery of this past and its enduring legacy today.

Written to accompany the National Museum of Scotland exhibition of the same name, this richly illustrated volume offers an accessible and compelling account of vibrant frontier communities living at the northern edge of the Roman Empire.