Bloodline: The Celtic Kings of Roman Britain

by Miles Russell

Celtic Kings in Roman Britain is Miles Russell's latest publication. This detailed and comprehensive book offers fresh research and analysis of the British provincial kings during the Roman occupation. The author's extensive knowledge and expertise in this field provides a high level of academic authority. Building on the discoveries made in Roman Sussex, this book develops the theme that southern Britain was not so much conquered by Rome, as liberated. Looking at new archaeological evidence, new readings of the primary historical sources and a new examination of the writings of 'British' sources (such as Geoffrey of Monmouth), Celtic Kings in Roman Britain provides a wholly alternative theory as to the creation of Roman Britain, its treaties, invasion and assimilation into empire, and the role of friendly client kings from the time of Julius Caesar (55-54 BC) to the reign of the emperor Hadrian

Genres: History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2010

Reviews

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply fascinating. I was shocked to discover that most everything we think we know about the ancient Britons and early Roman Britain comes to us from:
1) This One Guy Everyone Else Quoted
and
2) This One Other Guy Who Repeated Hearsay Told Him By Others
If these were the foundation of your term paper, you'd fail. Yet this is the foundation of all our Established Facts.
Even moving forward in time, what we know of Roman Britain is down to a handful of very, very few ancient authors who had points to make to their contemporary audiences, and weren't too interested in Recording Facts For Future Generations Of Scholars.

This book re-visits our Established Facts and provides equally plausible alternate interpretations of the original sources. Thought-provoking, good fun for anyone interested in the time period.

[Andrew Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this iconoclastic view of the Romans and the Celtic kings they had to work with/destroy/ask for help. I'm guessing it's not quite on the academic consensus but that's good sometimes. Diassapointingly the Kindle version I received from Amazon came with spelling mistakes and grammatical gaps which is a bit puzzling.

[Philip Chaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on the early years of Roman Britain and its development from a set of client kingdoms to a full province. As Russell admits, all theory, no facts...very little can proved from that period and written sources are only useful if backed up by archaeological evidence.

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, thought-provoking book!

Well worth the effort! An important and unusual take on Roman Britain. I recommend it without reservation, as well as Russell's other books.