Vindolanda. (Chesterholm) Roman Fort and Civilian Settlement

by Robin Birley

This title follows the Vindolanda Site throughout its many phases of use and occupation. It explores the everyday life of those who lived and worked on the site and provides valuable new insight into the larger context of Rome's northern frontier - Hadrian's Wall.

Genres: History, Archaeology, Nonfiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2009

Reviews

[janet boles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hit for Antiquarians

A treasure trove of the everyday lives, and the military functions as well as the building of a Roman fort on a grand scale over some 400 years. Established when Rome was at the height of it's powers, conquering England and most of Britian. Prior to the building of Hadrian's Wall, Roman builders constructed buildings with barracks, offices, storerooms, baths, offices, private quarters, outbuildings and roads comparable to anything in today's world with primitive tools.
Writing tablets fill in much of everyday administrative duties as well as personal lives, while digs unearth some facinating personal objects. There is much more to be told of this look into long ago history that may continue to facinate future generations.

[Kirsten McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like listening to a favourite lecturer. Very easy to read - the author was clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the topic. I love Vindolanda, and learning some of the older history of the excavations on the site really added to my understanding. Now I want to read more! And more. And more.
I fly out to England on Friday, and will back at Vindolanda on Sunday for two weeks. My excitement levels are high.

[Gareth Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed overview of the history of the site and the excavations there with some illustrations. Very accessibly written without sacrificing academic rigour. Perfect if you want an in depth summary of Vindolanda and its contribution to our understanding of the Roman occupation of the north of England.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vindolanda is great overview of the excavation at the site of Vindolanda up to the point of the books publication in 2009. At the same time as the book covers the actual discoveries at the site the excavation history is also covered with cutting and humorous anecdotes relating to both the site and the events surrounding not only its past but the conditions and the trials the excavations have encountered! :D Vindolanda is clever and approachable book to the subject that everyone interested will find extremely useful to have! Highly recommended get when you can!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this really useful for my studies of Vindolanda Roman Fort. Since archaeology is constantly updated there will be a need to access more recent sources but this book will still be useful for checking the status of the Vindolanda sit at the time of writing.

[Igenlode Wordsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable account of the history of the fort and its various periods of excavation.
A personal update of the author's previous book on the Vindolanda site from some twenty years or so earlier!

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this would be more of a history of the community, but it was an archaeological history. I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.