ALL you ever wanted to know about Britain under the Romans is contained in this concise and illuminating historical account.

It covers the Roman conquest and occupation of the island, within the larger context of Romano-British society; from the Iron Age preceding the invasion to Emperor Honorius’ advice to the Britons in 410 to fend for themselves. De la Bedoyere, who has made regular appearances on Channel 4’s Time Team series, gives vivid accounts of the various uprisings and the building of Hadrian’s Wall.

As an interesting aside, it would seem we could blame the Romans for instituting the North-South divide. It was Septimius Severus who divided Britain into two provinces: Superior (the South) and Inferior (the North).

The book is accompanied by superb reconstruction drawings, dramatic aerial views of Roman remains and images of all facets of Roman life, including villas, coins, pottery and sculpture. This is a history book that is difficult to put down once started and one that can be referred to again and again.