Overview

Among the provinces long occupied by Rome, Britain retained the slightest imprint of the invading civilization. To explain why this was true, Michael E. Jones offers a lucid and thorough analysis of the economic, social, military, and environmental problems that contributed to the failure of the Romans. Drawing on literary sources and on recent archaeological evidence, Jones disputes the theory that the Anglo-Saxon invasions were the determining agent in the failure of Romanitas.

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9780801485305

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'Jones contends that following ancient Gildas, a complex of covens,' including persistent local rebellions, disease, and climatic deterioration, as well as invasion, led to the end of Roman Britain. Except for a villain named Paul the Chain, whose depiction by Jones is a tiny biographical gem, most civil and military officials were colorless and no religious leader emerged as a charismatic saint. In essence, the Britons ultimately rejected Roman civilization; they were not deprived of it. Jones's exploration is bound to be controversial, but his work is engaging, enjoyable, perceptive, and persuasive.' Choice 'An exciting, imaginative, and original examination of a significant historical problem. Michael Jones's thesis, that Roman Britain fell not because Rome abandoned Britain but because the Britons rejected Rome, is certain to provoke controversy. The book is written in a witty and engaging style.' Richard Abels, United States Naval Academy

Author Information

Michael E. Jones is Professor of History at Bates College.

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