Roman Roads in Britain

Roman Roads in Britain by Hugh Davies

Author: Hugh Davies
Format: Paperback, 15cm x 21cm, 72 pages
Illustrations: Colour
Category: Roman Britain & Archaeology

Roman Roads in Britain by Hugh Davies is a fully updated and richly illustrated guide to one of the most outstanding engineering achievements of the Roman Empire. Presented as a 72-page colour-illustrated softback (21cm x 15cm), this book explores how Roman roads were planned, constructed and used, and how they continue to shape Britain’s landscape today.

Featuring numerous colour photographs and diagrams, the book explains the extent of the Roman road network, the principles behind Roman road building, and the methods used to maintain these vital routes. It also examines regional differences in construction, changes in road use since Roman times, and how to recognise Roman road features in the modern countryside.

Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this accessible guide includes practical advice on exploring Roman roads, along with a list of museums and locations where they can still be visited. Hugh Davies brings a unique perspective as both a scientist specialising in modern road design and a researcher of ancient roads, offering invaluable insight into the legacy of Roman engineering.

A perfect introduction for walkers, historians, archaeologists, detectorists, and anyone interested in Britain’s Roman past.

List of illustrations
Introduction
The extent of the Roman road network
Planning and construction
Roman road names
Roman roads since Roman times
Roman roads in the modern landscape
Exploring Roman Roads
Conclusions
Further reading
List of museums

On the back cover:

Throughout the Roman Empire, vast networks of roads extended the emperor's influence to the farthest reaches of his territory. They were vital for carrying armies, supplies, trade and Roman culture along the most direct and efficient route. The long, straight highways still instantly identifiable as Roman were designed for this purpose, though curved roads were also employed in places. The author details the processes of creating these roads and describes their building and maintenance. He also discusses the regional differences found in the Roman roads of Britain and their many uses. With photographs of the roads and a list of their locations, Roman Roads in Britain is the perfect introduction to a great Roman legacy.

Hugh Davies spent much of his working life as a scientist specialising in modern road design, before retiring in 1994. He gained a PhD in 2001 from the Archaeology and Classics department of Reading University, and has since written extensively on Roman roads. He is also the author of Roads in Roman Britain and From Trackways to Motorways: 5,000 Years of Highway History.

Roman Roads in Britain by Hugh Davies

Contents

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