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The Military Situations in Britain Between A.D. 43 and 71

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2011

Abstract

In 1960 I published an account of the campaigns of Aulus Plautius and Ostorius Scapula in Britain, and attempted to show that the Fosse Way was part of a frontier system established by the first governor. There have been subsequent modifications as new information has come to light. A number of new sites has been discovered and the basic pattern of the Plautian frontier, as suggested in the original paper, now requires further consideration. Our conception of the military situations between 43 and 71 has become more complicated with increased knowledge of the tide of battle sweeping forward to the west and then the ebb bringing troops back into the rearward areas subsequent to the Boudiccan revolt. Several sites such as The Lunt at Baginton, Metchley and Usk are being carefully and extensively excavated. These are producing not only interesting sequences of buildings but quantities of pottery and coins which make closer dating possible. The amount of pottery in particular allows detailed studies of shapes and fabrics, enabling the changes to be more narrowly assessed than previously. This present paper is an attempt to consider this new information and to clarify the position as it is now seen. But the situation is still far too fluid for anything but an interim statement; as more work proceeds further adjustments will become necessary.

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Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Graham Webster 1970. Exclusive Licence to Publish: The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies

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