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The End of the Western Roman Empire

An Archaeological Investigation

Ellen Swift author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:The History Press Ltd

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The End of the Western Roman Empire cover

Based on a range of new archaeological research (most of it carried out by the author herself), this book breaks new ground. It examines changes in the Western provinces in the fourth and early fifth centuries, which ultimately resulted in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. First, the author investigates regional variation within the late Roman West: important differences are found between the heavily militarised provinces of the frontier and those further west, and the general shift of focus from one area to another is clearly visible as the fourth century comes to its end. In combination with other burial evidence, the movement of people can be traced through the objects they were wearing, and the activity of the Roman military on the frontiers can be investigated through badges of office - the crossbow brooch and the belt set. Even in the fourth century, the increasing importance of the Germanic-style culture is becoming apparent, corresponding to the breakdown of much Roman-inspired culture in the fifth century. All these strands are skilfully brought together in Dr Swift's new account of the end of the Roman West and its legacy to the post-Roman world.

ISBN: 9780752414782

Dimensions: 248mm x 171mm x 10mm

Weight: 400g

160 pages