The End of Roman Britain / Edition 1

by Michael E. Jones

Overview

Among the provinces long occupied by Rome, Britain retained the slightest imprint of the invading civilization. To explain why this was true, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801485305
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	03/27/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	758,790
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.88(d)
Lexile:	1560L (what's this?)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

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

What People are Saying About This

Richard Abels

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.

Editorial Reviews

Jones offers a radical revision to the standard account of the collapse of Roman power in Britain and the coming of the Anglo-Saxons.... This book will engage specialists in early medieval history, but Jones's lucid style and ability to demystify highly technical forms of evidence make the book accessible to intelligent general readers. This book is highly recommended for undergraduate, graduate, and major public libraries.

Bridges

Jones contends that... 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

Jones contends that... 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"

Jones offers a radical revision to the standard account of the collapse of Roman power in Britain and the coming of the Anglo-Saxons.... This book will engage specialists in early medieval history, but Jones's lucid style and ability to demystify highly technical forms of evidence make the book accessible to intelligent general readers. This book is highly recommended for undergraduate, graduate, and major public libraries.

-- "Bridges"

From the Publisher

Jones offers a radical revision to the standard account of the collapse of Roman power in Britain and the coming of the Anglo-Saxons.... This book will engage specialists in early medieval history, but Jones's lucid style and ability to demystify highly technical forms of evidence make the book accessible to intelligent general readers. This book is highly recommended for undergraduate, graduate, and major public libraries.

Bridges