Frontiers of the Roman Empire: A Social and Economic Study / Edition 1

by C. R. Whittaker

Overview

Whittaker argues that the very success of the Roman frontiers as permeable border zones sowed the seeds of their eventual destruction

Although the Roman empire was one of the longest lasting in history, it was never ideologically conceived by its rulers or inhabitants as a territory within fixed limits. Yet Roman armies clearly reached certain points—which today we call frontiers—where they simply stopped advancing and annexing new territories. In Frontiers of the Roman Empire, C. R. Whittaker examines the Roman frontiers both in terms of what they meant to the Romans and in their military, economic, and social function.

Observing that frontiers are rarely, if ever, static, Whittaker argues that the very success of the Roman frontiers as permeable border zones sowed the seeds of their eventual destruction. As the frontiers of the late empire ceased to function, the ideological distinctions between Romans and barbarians became blurred. Yet the very permeability of the frontiers, Whittaker contends, also permitted a transformation of Roman society, breathing new life into the empire rather than causing its complete extinction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801857850
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	12/11/1997
Series:	Ancient Society and History
Edition description:	REPRINT
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.81(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

C. R. Whittaker was university lecturer in classics and fellow of Churchill College at Cambridge University.

Editorial Reviews

Whittaker has made the first systematic attempt to integrate the study of the Roman frontiers and imperial policy with that of the frontier economy and society. All those interested in Roman frontier studies and imperialism will be grateful for a book which discusses old questions along new lines and which raises new questions of general importance.
—Journal of Roman Studies

From the Publisher

Whittaker has made the first systematic attempt to integrate the study of the Roman frontiers and imperial policy with that of the frontier economy and society. All those interested in Roman frontier studies and imperialism will be grateful for a book which discusses old questions along new lines and which raises new questions of general importance.

Journal of Roman Studies

From the Euphrates to Hadrian's Wall, the Danube to the Atlas Mountains, reconstructs life in the towns and garrisons at the edges of the Roman Empire and the military, social, and economic role of the frontier zones on both sides of the borders. Explores the Roman concept of geographical space, why the tide of empire washed up where it did, and the external pressures that eventually pushed it back. Based on a lecture series at the College de France in 1987 and published in French in 1989. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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