Lindsay Allason-Jones

Everyday Life in Hadrian's Britain

Roman Woman

Daily life in Roman Britain

Roman Britain is vividly portrayed in this fascinating and authentically detailed story about a year in the life of an ordinary woman and her family. The year is AD 133. Hadrian is Emperor of Rome and all its vast empire, including Britannia. The greater part of that island has long been under imperial rule and the Roman legions control most of the land, quelling uprisings and building new forts and towns. Around the fortress of Eboracum (now known as York), a bustling garrison settlement is developing, while along the north-west frontier of Hadrian's empire, the legions are completing the construction of a mighty wall. Introducing us to this world is Senovara, born into the Parisi, a local tribe whose customs have been little changed by Roman rule. But she is also the young wife of Quintus, a veteran of the 6th Legion Victrix. Settling in Quintus's home is both bewildering and awe-inspiring for Senovara as she seeks to adjust to Eboracum's cosmopolitan environment, come to terms with new customs and reconcile their cultural differences. Senovara finds that daily life in the settlement can be harsh; a constant struggle to provide her family with fresh food, water and warmth. Yet there is much enjoyment to be had as well, at the public baths or with new friends. There is also the excitement of religious festivals and in the regular news from the frontier, and peril in the form of a deadly fever which sweeps through Eboracum, forcing Senovara and her children to flee to her brother in the countryside. Roman Woman is an immersive, compelling narrative which gets to the heart of what life was like for everyday people in Roman Britain.

Roman Britain is portrayed in this detailed story - a woven narrative of a family struggling to come to terms with new customs and with reconciling their cultural differences. Set in busy York, in the late years of the reign of Hadrian, the story follows the life of the heroine Senovara.

An illustrated catalogue of ear-rings with drawings or photographs, and distribution maps of the types; discussion of fashions and their use, manufacture, materials, workshops, distribution.

Ear-rings in Roman Britain

M. C. Bishop

The Hoard

Excavations at Roman Corbridge

What was life really like for women in Roman Britain? This new edition chronicles the latest discoveries - tombstones, writing tablets, curse tablets, burials and artefacts - to build up a vivid picture of the lives, habits and thoughts of women in Britain over four centuries. Diversity of backgrounds, traditions and taste lies at the heart of the book - displaying the cosmopolitan nature of Romano-British society. The author explores women's social status, their health and religion, marriage and childbirth, family life and homes, dress, jewellery and hairstyles, and their pastimes.

Lindsay Allason-Jones

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