Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Late Roman Britain

Welcome to our curated reading list on late Roman Britain, a period of transition and upheaval marked by political, social, and cultural changes.

(c) Notuncurious

Explore the fascinating complexities of Britain’s history during the twilight years of Roman rule, as the province navigated challenges from internal strife, external threats, and the gradual decline of imperial authority. Delve into the latest research and scholarly interpretations to uncover the dynamics of late Roman Britain’s society, economy, and military defenses. From the impact of Romanization on local communities to the rise of regional powers and the emergence of new identities, our selection of books offers a comprehensive exploration of this pivotal era. Engage with influential works by leading historians and archaeologists such as Johnson, Faulkner, and Jones, as they shed light on the complexities of late Roman Britain’s urban centers, rural landscapes, and frontier defenses. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a student of history, or an enthusiast eager to delve into this intriguing period, our reading list provides a valuable resource for understanding the legacy of late Roman Britain.

General

  • Faulkner, N., The decline & fall of Roman Britain, Stroud, 2004.
  • Ireland, S., Roman Britain: a sourcebook, London, 1996, Ch. 13.
  • Millett, M., Revell, L. & Moore, A.J., The Oxford handbook of Roman Britain, Oxford, 2016, Ch. 7, 41.

Further Reading

  • Casey, P.J., The end of Roman Britain: papers arising from a conference, Durham 1978, Oxford, 1979.
  • Dark, K.R. & Dark, P., The landscape of Roman Britain, Stroud, 1997, Ch. 7.
  • Esmonde Cleary, A.S., The ending of Roman Britain, London, 1989.
  • Halsall, G., Worlds of Arthur: facts and fictions of the Dark Ages, Oxford, 2013.
  • Hammon, A., ‘Understanding the Romano-British-Early Medieval Transition: A Zooarchaeological Perspective from Wroxeter (Viroconium Cornoviorum)’ in Britannia Vol.42, 2011, 275-305.
  • Johnson, S., The Roman forts of the Saxon Shore, London, 1979.
  • Johnson, S., Later Roman Britain, London, 1980.
  • Johnston, D.E., The Saxon shore, London, 1977.
  • Jones, M.E., The end of Roman Britain, London, 1996.
  • Jones, B. & Mattingly, D.J., An atlas of Roman Britain, Oxford, 1990.
  • Morris, J., The age of Arthur: a history of the British Isles from 350 to 650, London, 1973.
  • Wilmott, T. & Wilson, P., The Late Roman transition in the North: papers from the Roman Archaeology Conference, Durham 1999, Oxford, 2000.
  • Wood, I., ‘The Fall of the Western Empire and the End of Roman Britain’ in Britannia Vol.18, 1987, 251-262.