Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 147 i All About History

Across the English countryside, the remains of large rural homesteads that date to the time of the Roman occupation of Britain have been discovered by archaeologists. These archaeological sites can tell us a lot about the buildings that once stood, particularly about the development of so-called ‘villa rustica’ properties that were such a feature of ancient Roman agrarian life. The term villa rustica was used by the Romans to describe a grand house, located in a countryside setting, that provided a home for the owner and their family as well as accommodation for the workers of the estate and spaces for storage and farm animals. The name for these houses distinguished them from the villas located in or on the outskirts of Roman cities and towns. These country villas were…

What was Legion IX Hispana? By the time of the Roman Empire, the Imperial Army had about 30 legions, each comprising 5,500 men. The Ninth Legion was probably founded around the time of Julius Caesar and we know he did command it. It was briefly disbanded shortly after Caesar’s death but was recreated by the first emperor, Octavian Augustus, and took part in the Roman invasion of Britain under General Aulus Plautius. It takes the Romans around 40 years to get to a point where they can claim they’ve conquered most of the main island of Britain – the Britons put up one hell of a fight. The Ninth Legion is tasked with conquering an area around the Midlands and the North East, including around North Norfolk, which is where…

The term Caliphate is probably familiar to some extent to anyone who follows the news. Its recent invocation, largely by extremist religious figures, has brought it into geopolitical discourse. But do you know what it actually means? Or that the Caliphate existed for hundreds of years? With his new book The House Of War examining the conflicts between Christendom and the Caliphate, we sat down with Simon Mayall to learn more about the history of this important governing idea in Islam and what it means today. Could you tell us a little bit about what is meant by the Caliphate? The Caliphate was the organising principle for the Islamic world from the death of Muhammad [632] until its abolition by Atatürk in 1924 with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire…

By 1782 peace talks in the American War of Independence had already begun. The ‘rebels’ of the 13 colonies that were to create the new nation of the United States, plus their allies, would be the victors. But for some the pains of separation were already being felt and the future looked difficult and unstable. On one side, republicanism was the only way; for others, unity under a monarchy was the answer to a stronger nation. George Washington had shown undoubtable leadership in the field of battle, and leading the country could be a short step. But what would it be — president or king? What were the main motivations for the creators of the Newburgh letter and how deep was the grass roots support for their proposals? Like most…

The Roman dodecahedrons are one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries. Did they serve a military purpose? Civilian? Religious? No one really knows, but numerous theories exist as to these strange objects’ function. Examples have been found in military camps, the St Pierre Cathedral in Switzerland and even a bathhouse, all dating from between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. The first dodecahedron was discovered at a site in Germany in 1739 and since then over 100 of these strange objects have been found across Europe, with 33 of them unearthed on British shores. Unusually, not a single example has been discovered in Italy itself — nor can any mention of them be found in Roman literature. While no two dodecahedrons are exactly the same, the examples discovered so far all have 12…

1 VINDOLANDA HEXHAM While this site was first developed before the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, the fort of Vindolanda became an important position for the Roman frontier and would go on to be used for another 400 years after the Romans had left Britain. The first military structures are thought to have been built around 80 CE with a simple stone building, officer’s house and bathhouse. This was all demolished in the time of Hadrian and rebuilt, adding civilian buildings. Units such as the First Cohort of Tungrians and the Third and Ninth Cohorts of Batavians are thought to have been garrisoned at the fort in its long years defending the empire’s border. The site has proven to be an invaluable resource to researchers looking to learn more about military life.…

Sitting in the Basilica San Domenico church of Siena is the preserved head of a woman. Though undoubtedly for some it’s a gruesome thing to behold, for many Catholics it’s a relic belonging to one of the holiest women to have ever existed. The head is that of a young woman named Catherine, who would later become most commonly known as Saint Catherine of Siena. From an extremely young age, she experienced mystical visions that brought her closer to Christ and propelled her convictions to serve God, the Catholic Church, the Italian states and her Sienese community. Her life, lived in Christian devotion, was a fascinating one filled with visions, miracles and influence that secured her a place as one of the most revered of the Catholic saints. Early life…

The world-famous Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) was founded in 1852 in London as the Museum of Manufactures. Since then, it has become the largest museum of art and design in the world, holding around 2.8 million objects in its collections. Of these collections, the museum’s jewellery department houses over 3,000 jewels dating from ancient times to the present day. Now, a beautiful new book published by Thames & Hudson in collaboration with the V&A explores the museum’s ring collection and the evolution of European ring design from the Middle Ages onwards. Written by Rachel Church, a curator in the Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass department at the V&A with a special responsibility for the rings collection, Rings showcases a number of stunning pieces of jewellery and uncovers their significance…

47 CE LONDINIUM FOUNDED The Romans found a settlement, later to become Londinium and then later the capital of Britain. However, the original settlement lasts only 13 years before it is destroyed by Boudicca. It is then rebuilt and soon becomes one of the largest settlements. 60-61 CE BOUDICCA BEGINS HER REVOLT AGAINST ROME Boudicca, queen of the Iceni tribe, leads a revolt against the occupying Roman forces. Her husband Prasutagus has left portions of his lands to Nero, however Emperor Suetonius raids and steals these lands upon his death – Boudicca is flogged and her two daughters raped. Boudicca’s bloody revolt is successful at first but she is finally defeated in battle. c.63 CE JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA’S PILGRIMAGE TO GLASTONBURY More legend than historical fact, Joseph of Arimathea is said to travel…

Suetonius Paulinus Roman, c.10 – c.69 CE Suetonius Paulinus had an almost impossible task. He was the Roman governor of Britain during the rebellion of the fierce Icini queen, Boudicca. At the Battle of Watling Street in 61 CE, Suetonius managed to finally gain the upper hand and slaughtered the rebels, Boudicca taking poison before she was caught. At Suetonius’ orders, some 80,000 men, women and children are said to have been killed. Concerned at continuing rebellion due to the general’s aggressive actions, the powers in Rome removed him from his position. Even today, he is best remembered as the Roman general who defeated Boudicca. Constantine III Roman, Unknown – 411 CE The final Roman ruler in Britain, Constantine III’s story is a most unusual one. He was a Roman…