The Roman Fort (Roman World) [Paperback]

Peter Connolly (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Roman World

Peter Connolly utilizes the latest historical evidence from excavations of major fortifications to create a detailed and fascinating portrait of typical Roman forts and of the soldiers who maintained them along Hadrian's Wall and other Roman boundaries for more than 350 years.
He begins with the actual construction of roads and forts, using cross-sections and cutaways that show the actual building techniques the Romans used. Next he turns to the soldiers and the forts they maintained. We look into their barracks to see how they slept, cooked their food, what they did for relaxation, how the plumbing worked, and how they prepared for battle.
The meticulous and well-researched drawings and maps for which Connolly is known will attract young readers and keep them enthralled. And his skills as an archeologist and storyteller enable him to present the latest discoveries, conclusions, and speculations in a highly entertaining and easy-to-understand text.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10-- Based on the excavation of a fort near Hadrian's Wall, this book is distinguished by excellent, detailed illustrations. The defensive walls, living quarters, and adjacent buildings are all detailed in the drawings. Subjects covered include the structure's physical construction, the military necessity for its placement, lives of average soldiers and commanding officers, and a brief overview of the historical context of the fort. Unfortunately, the accompanying text is not so lively. Readers with little background in Roman history and culture can expect no help in the form of a glossary or even any explanation of some of the more technical terms. Good maps are also lacking. Use this to supplement more comprehensive works or where pictorial representation is needed. --David N. Pauli, Missoula Public Library, MT
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A brief, narrow-cast, but fascinating look at Roman garrison life along the Empire's northern frontiers in the early centuries A.D. The book's richly illustrated descriptions of fortifications, soldiers' daily life, and grand defensive strategy could hook military-minded teens."--School Library Journal

"A richly detailed tour of Roman Britain from an accomplished author-archaeologist."--Smithsonian Magazine

"Informative text with well-researched colored drawings and diagrams."--Cobblestone

"Connolly's full-color architectural drawings show the sectioned living quarters of their home base so precisely that you could build them today, or easily picture just what the people of those days saw as they went about their daily business."--The News (Southbridge, MA)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2nd edition (April 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199104263
• ISBN-13: 978-0199104260
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #812,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roman forts and daily life., October 5, 2000

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Roman Fort (Roman World) (Paperback)

This book is the story of Roman fortifications along Hadrian's Wall. Using the First Tungrian Cohort as a vehicle, the author traces their building of different types of fortifications and their life among them. The book includes many diagrams and exquisite cut-away images to show what the various buildings looked like both inside and out. Also, the well-written text explains construction techniques and a good deal about daily life in the Imperial Roman Army.

This is an excellent book on Roman fortifications and garrison troops, and I recommend it highly.

5.0 out of 5 stars Roman forts and daily life, February 16, 2008

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This book is the story of Roman fortifications along Hadrian's Wall. Using the First Tungrian Cohort as a vehicle, the author traces their building of different types of fortifications and their life among them. The book includes many diagrams and exquisite cut-away images to show what the various buildings looked like both inside and out. Also, the well-written text explains construction techniques and a good deal about daily life in the Imperial Roman Army.

This is an excellent book on Roman fortifications and garrison troops, and I recommend it highly.

5.0 out of 5 stars Paperbacks moving to a single volume?, January 10, 2007

By 

Andrew J. Brozyna (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Roman Fort (Roman World) (Paperback)

All of Connolly's books are must-haves. I see the paperback versions of Roman Fort, The Legionary and The Cavalryman seem to be out of print. I have a feeling that these titles may reappear as a single volume sometime in the near future. Previous titles by this author, The Roman Army, The Greek Armies, and Hannibal and the Enemies of Rome first appeared as paperbacks in 1977-78. The content of these books came together in the single hardcover, Greece and Rome at War, in 1981. So, the same thing may be happening again.