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Roman Articles
The following articles, produced by Etrusia.co.uk are currently online. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future articles, or would like to submit some of your own then please email heather@etrusia.co.uk and let us know.
Hadrians Wall
Hadrian's Wall marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. It stretched for over a hundred miles from the west to east coasts of Northern England. Built in 6 years from AD 122 it is an amazing engineering achievement, sections of which remain standing to this day..
Read more - Hadrians Wall
Pompeii - The Buried City
Pompeii is a world treasure - Etrusia introduces its history and background, with links to web resources for students. Buried when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city of Pompeii is one of the world's greatest treasures. The city was found accidentally a couple of centuries ago and has been extensively excavated since then. The site retains the original streets and parts of many buildings....
Read more - Pompeii - The Buried City
Why Claudius invaded Britain
Despite the famous claim that he had come, seen and conquered Britain ("Veni, Vidi, Vici"), in 55BC, Julius Caesar's attempted invasion of Britain was more of an armed visit. He led raids on the southeast coast in 55 and 54 BC and managed to gain some tribute in exchange for hostages.
Read more - Why Claudius invaded Britain
The Roman Army before and after Marius' Reforms
Marius's reforms were crucial to the Roman army's successful domination of its known world for hundreds of years. He widened recruitment, introduced refinements to weapons and set up organisational structures that created a professional army loyal to its leaders rather than to the Senate.
Read more - The Roman Army before and after Marius' Reforms
Roman Domestic Politics in the Late Republic
The factional infighting within the Roman Republic contributed to its downfall after the death of Julius Caesar. This article discusses some of the political rivalries that divided Republican Rome and details the major political figures who contributed to its disintegration.
Read more - Roman Domestic Politics in the Late Republic
Romano-British Amphora Trade
Trade between Rome and the Celtic tribes of Britain predated the arrival of Julius Caesar and continued throughout the years of Empire. This article discusses the movement of amphorae - the earthernware containers used to transport wines - and examines the changes in their design over the period.
Read more - Romano-British Amphora Trade
Roman patrons, Clients, Slaves and Freedmen
One of the main institutions of Roman life was that of a patronus with his cliens (patron-client). A Roman politician would provide protection and assistance to lower class citizens in return for the loyalty of the citizen - who was now his client. This short article looks at this relationship.
Read more - Roman patrons, Clients, Slaves and Freedmen
The Cursus Honorum
The Cursus Honorum was the traditional path of magistracies a potential politician had to follow in order to get to the top of the political ladder. This article (part of the Roman Politics articles) looks at the path Romans followed in order to gain power.
Read more - The Cursus Honorum
Caesar's British Campaign
This very short article outlines the two major campaigns Julius Caesar waged against the British isles and the people living there. The first was in 55 B.C. and the second the next year, 54 B.C.
Read more - Caesar's British Campaign
The Death of Caesar
A short sumamry of the writings of Suetonius and Appian on the assassination of Julius Caesar on the 15 March (the famous Ides of March), 44 B.C.
Read more - The Death of Caesar
Roman Surnames
A guide on how Roman surnames indicated the family tree. This short article gives a brief description about how the tria nomina system works.
Read more - Roman Surnames
Pictures from Pompey
Photographs taken by Rita Martelli ca 1975, in Pompey, Italy.
Read more - Pictures from Pompey
Roman Voting Assemblies
An explaination about the Roman voting system.
Read more - Roman Voting Assemblies
References
Sources Used
Each article comes from multiple sources, either mentioned in a side panel or a separate bibliography.
Roman Temple to Mithras along Hadrians Wall
Roman Legionaire - c. 1st Century AD.
Three soldiers - c. late 1st / early 2nd Century AD.
Ruins of the Roman Temple at Maiden Castle. From approx 2nd Century AD.
Portchester - Roman Fort and entry port. Used throughout the occupation.