Franklin Watts ISBN 9781445156170 £8.99
Life in Britain was transformed by the coming of the Romans in 43 BCE. This book tells us what happened from the point of view of those who lived it. The author uses a range of sources from archaeology, written records and other events to help the reader understand what it must have been like to live in these turbulent times. The language is accessible, and the page layout and presentation are varied with maps, photographs, drawings and captions and sections of text in different fonts. The book covers The Roman Army, Legionaries, Auxiliary soldiers, The Romans spread out, Forts and fortifications, Road building, Life under the Romans, Roman towns, Roman entertainment, Crime and Punishment and the Fall of the Roman Empire. I particularly enjoyed the section which explained that Romans fought in groups in formation behind their wood and metal shields, while some of the British fought naked, painted with blue. But the British had fast-moving chariots. One of the first things the Romans did was maim Chief Caractacus’ chariot horses in a night raid. I enjoyed the photographs of actual objects, such as the diploma, a bronze plate left behind by the Romans that said the holder had left the army and is now a Roman citizen. The author presents two versions of the story of Vercingetorix which helps readers to appreciate that written sources are not necessarily correct. At the back of the book there is a Glossary, a Glossary of Roman insults, A Timeline of Ancient Rome, Roman sites to visit and suggestions for further reading. An excellent book, highly recommended for children aged 9+.
Brenda Marshall
