This book comprises a good, reasonably priced and succinct introduction to the archaeology of Roman York for the non-specialist, functioning well as an accessible synthesis of the period's remains in the city for both the public and the new scholar. The book does not intend to replace the existing, more academically focused syntheses of Roman York (e.g. P. Ottaway, Roman York, 2012) or the in-depth series of archaeological fascicules from York Archaeological Trust, but rather aims to attract a new audience, exchanging the traditional site/structure-based, chronological overview for a thematic, largely finds-based approach derived from its origin in several public-aimed adult-education courses and the author's own museum background.
The book begins with a general introduction that briefly discusses the impact of the Roman Empire on modern-day York and the work of five key archaeological investigators responsible for much of our current knowledge. This approach allows it to avoid getting bogged down in detailed historiography whilst offering options for further investigation if the reader is interested. After an initial discussion of the founding of the city in the context of late first-century Roman Britain, drawing primarily upon historical sources, the chapters in the first half of the book cover the legionary fortress, civilian settlement and cemeteries. These each begin with discussion of the known layouts of the sites within York, before moving on to sculptural and finds evidence to discuss implications for understanding daily life for both military personnel and civilians, rather than offering detailed structural histories of each aspect of the settlement.
The book then takes a more thematic approach. A chapter on religious, spiritual and ‘magical’ beliefs opens with general discussion of Empire-wide practices before moving on to specific epigraphic and artefactual evidence from York and finishing with a detailed case study of personal objects such as amulets. Roman fashion is addressed next, covering both small accessories and sculptural evidence, followed by diet (through both environmental and ceramic evidence). Further thematic chapters focus on industry and entertainment in and around York, and all draw upon the extensive artefactual assemblages held predominantly by the Yorkshire Museum to take an approach organised by specific aspects of Roman daily life, albeit very briefly for some chapters (notably ‘Entertainments’). The final chapter looks at some of the famous Romans associated with York (emperors Septimius Severus and Constantine I) and quickly summarises the late Roman period via the latter. An appendix lists the best places to view and access Roman York within the city, while a short introductory bibliography signposts the reader to further accessible discussions around the themes covered. Since this is not extensive, the reader is left to use other publications to get at the reports behind these discussions.
Given its intended audience, each chapter draws together both specific evidence from York and wider discussion concerning the Roman Empire. This structure relies particularly on historical sources to add background but does not really go beyond York itself in terms of archaeological context (excepting some discussions of imported goods). Nevertheless, the book clearly addresses current theoretical trends within the discipline, particularly identity. The reader will however struggle to find indications of some of the complexities involved in moving from assemblage to identity and recent theoretical debates on the nature, and limitations, of the notion of Romanisation. Yet, as an introduction to Eboracum, and an alternative to existing accounts that favour buildings and chronological development over artefactual evidence, it has a useful role to play.
Good images feature heavily throughout the book, sourced from both the existing literature and the extensive archaeological collections available from the Yorkshire Museum and elsewhere. These illustrate the themes well and maintain the human focus of the discussion. The language used is very accessible and well suited to non-specialist audiences, although the approach is a little uncritical of the evidence in places. One slight criticism is that the thematic approach, although avoiding traditional methods of archaeological reporting, makes the overall text feel a little disjointed in places, particularly given the lack of a final synthesis to draw the whole together.
Overall, the book works well in its intended role as an accessible introduction to Roman York for those new to the subject; it is a companion piece rather than a replacement for existing publications and archaeological syntheses. It covers a broad range of material, which it presents in clear, distinct themes of interest, and successfully draws out the human story from the archaeological remains, directing the reader to look further into the subjects it considers.
