The Archæology of Roman Britain

Abstract

THIS is a book which was badly needed indeed. The literature of Roman Britain is highly specialised, difficult of access, and extremely technical. Mr. Collingwood has aimed at supplying the elementary but fundamental knowledge which is essential in entering upon the study of Romano-British culture. Still more will it help those who, not being specialists, wish to follow intelligently the reports of results which are being achieved season by season on a number of sites up and down the country. Each of the different classes of antiquities is here described in detail—roads, camps, forts, towns, villas, temples, native settlements, and so forth. Especially valuable are the chapters which deal with the pottery, both Samian and coarse ware. The chapter dealing with the latter is of interest not merely to the be ginner but also to the expert, for in it Mr. Colling wood has made a first attempt to form a series of nearly a hundred dated types. The very full illustration from drawings by the author, both in this chapter and in that dealing with brooches, will be found invaluable. Mr. Collingwood has been at great pains to give every assistance to the student.