Vindolanda: a window on life in the Roman army
TLDRThis British Museum event explores life in the Roman auxiliary Fort at Vindolanda near Hadrian's Wall through expert presentations. Historian Guy de la Bédoyère discusses soldiers' everyday life and leisure activities, while Barbara Burley, curator at the Vindolanda Trust, delves into letters and artifacts that reveal personal stories. Novelist Adrian Goldsworthy adds context, discussing the Roman army's broader role and culture. The discussion uncovers the complex social fabric of the Roman military community, including families, slaves, and the preservation of everyday life through organic remains and writing tablets.
Takeaways
- 🏰 The discussion centers around the Roman auxiliary Fort at Vindolanda near Hadrian's Wall, offering insights into life in the Roman army and complementing the British Museum's exhibition on the same topic.
- 🎖️ The speakers include Guy de la Bedoyere, a British historian with extensive publications on Roman Britain, Barbara Burley, curator at the Vindolanda Trust, and Adrian Goldsworthy, a historian and novelist known for his works on the Roman army and warfare.
- 🗺️ Vindolanda is part of the Stanegate Frontier established around 85 AD, predating Hadrian's Wall, and demonstrates the complexity of Roman military and civilian life on the frontier.
- 👥 The Roman army at Vindolanda was composed of auxiliaries from various regions, including Gaul, Spain, and Thracian areas, reflecting the diverse ethnic makeup of the provincial soldiers.
- 👪 Soldiers were often accompanied by their families, with evidence of wives, children, and slaves contributing to the community life around the forts.
- 📜 The Vindolanda tablets provide a unique glimpse into the everyday life and administrative aspects of the Roman army, including personal letters, accounts, and even birthday invitations.
- 🏡 The forts were more than military installations; they were the heart of a wider Roman settlement, complete with civilian dwellings, workshops, and trading areas.
- 🏹 Evidence of leisure activities such as hunting and religious practices, including dedications to various deities, highlights the cultural aspects of life on the Roman frontier.
- ✍️ Literacy among Roman soldiers was relatively high, as demonstrated by the numerous written records left behind, including the famous Vindolanda tablets found in excellent condition due to the site's anaerobic environment.
- 🗝️ The material culture unearthed at Vindolanda, including personal items, weaponry, and clothing, gives a detailed account of the soldiers' lives and the Roman presence in Britain.
- 📚 Adrian Goldsworthy's novels, inspired by the historical and archaeological findings at Vindolanda, offer a fictional but well-researched portrayal of life on the Roman frontier.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the British Museum event discussed in the script?
-The main topic of the event is the Roman auxiliary Fort at Vindolanda near Hadrian's Wall and what it reveals about life in the Roman army.
Who are the three distinguished expert speakers introduced in the event?
-The three speakers are Guy de la Bédoyère, a British historian; Barbara Burley, curator of the Vindolanda Trust and of displays at the Roman Army Museum; and Adrian Goldsworthy, a British historian and novelist.
What does the Roman coin struck in Rome in the year 143 depict?
-The coin depicts Britannia, a militarized female personification of the province of Britain, holding a military standard in her right hand and a spear in her left, sitting next to a shield and a pile of armaments.
What role did auxiliary soldiers play in the Roman army in Britain?
-Auxiliary soldiers were provincial soldiers who joined the Roman army for a career, often hoping to gain citizenship. They were largely responsible for manning the forts and were accompanied by their families and other civilians, forming a whole Roman way of life.
What is the significance of the Vindolanda tablets in understanding Roman life on the frontier?
-The Vindolanda tablets are thin pieces of wood used for writing, which provide a wealth of information about the everyday life, personal relationships, and administrative details of the people living in the Roman frontier, including soldiers, their families, and other civilians.
What does the famous birthday invitation from the fort at Vindolanda reveal about social life in the Roman army?
-The birthday invitation shows that there was a significant social life among the Roman army personnel and their families, with parties and gatherings being a part of their daily existence, despite the remote and often harsh conditions of the frontier.
How did the Roman soldiers contribute to the religious life on Hadrian's Wall?
-Roman soldiers made numerous dedications and offerings to various deities, both from the official Roman state cults and from personal cults. They built shrines, temples, and participated in religious ceremonies, which were an integral part of their daily life on the frontier.
What evidence is there of literacy among Roman soldiers based on the Vindolanda findings?
-The Vindolanda tablets, which contain writing in ink, demonstrate that Roman soldiers were literate and used writing for administrative and personal purposes. This literacy is also reflected in the frequent quoting of classical literature, suggesting a broader educational background among the military.
What is the significance of the tombstone of the little boy found at Birdoswald in the context of Roman life on the frontier?
-The tombstone, which commemorates a child who lived for only one year and five days, highlights the precarious nature of life on the Roman frontier, where even the children of high-ranking officers could face early death due to the harsh conditions and dangers.
How did the Roman military community along Hadrian's Wall impact the local area during the Roman period?
-The Roman military community was dense and vibrant, with a significant number of people living in and around the forts. This community brought a variety of languages, cultures, and economic activities, making the area more dynamic and diverse than it is today.
Outlines
🏰 Introduction to the Roman Auxiliary Fort at Vindolanda
The video script begins with an introduction to a British Museum event discussing the Roman auxiliary Fort at Vindolanda, located near Hadrian's Wall. The event is part of an exhibition on Legion life in the Roman army. Three expert speakers are introduced: Guy de la Bedoyere, a British historian and author; Barbara Burley, curator of the Vindolanda Trust; and Adrian Goldsworthy, a historian and novelist. The discussion will focus on life in the Roman army, complementing the museum's exhibition. The script also encourages audience interaction through the Q&A box.
🏹 Life and Leisure on the Roman Frontier
Guy de la Bedoyere discusses the everyday life of Roman soldiers and their families at the fort, emphasizing that these were not just military settlements but complete Roman communities. He describes the Roman depiction of Britannia and the heavily garrisoned nature of Britain. The script also touches on the diverse origins of the soldiers, including Thracians and Batavians, and their roles in building Hadrian's Wall. Leisure activities such as hunting and socializing are mentioned, along with the importance of literacy and written records in understanding the lives of these individuals.
👪 Families and Social Life in the Roman Army
The script delves into the social aspects of life in the Roman army, highlighting the presence of families and the legitimization of soldiers having families by Emperor Septimius Severus. It discusses the famous birthday invitation from Vindolanda, suggesting that the women involved were likely teenagers. The script also mentions the tombstone of a child from the Hadrian's Wall fort, illustrating the tragic losses experienced by families in the Roman army. Additionally, it explores the tombstone of a legionary soldier's family, emphasizing the personal stories and the precarious existence of these individuals on the Roman frontier.
🏛️ Religion and Cultural Integration in the Roman Frontier
The script explores the religious practices of Roman soldiers, mentioning the official state cults and the personal religious dedications made by soldiers. It describes the shrine of Antenocitus and the nymph Coventina, highlighting the importance of these cults in the daily lives of soldiers. The script also discusses the Mithraic mystery cult and its appeal to men, as well as the evidence of literacy among Roman soldiers, suggesting that they were among the most literate people in the Roman world.
📜 Vindolanda: Letters and Artifacts Revealing Roman Life
Barbara Burley introduces the historical context of Vindolanda, explaining its role in the Stanegate Frontier system established around 85 AD. She discusses the ongoing archaeological work at the site, which has revealed 14 different periods of occupation. The script highlights the diversity of the garrisons, with soldiers from various modern countries, and the complexity of the site's archaeology. Burley also mentions the anerobic conditions that have preserved organic remains, providing a wealth of artifacts and evidence of daily life.
👣 The Social and Economic Diversity of Vindolanda
The script continues to explore the social and economic aspects of life in Vindolanda, discussing the presence of women, children, and adolescents. It mentions the discovery of shoes and other artifacts that provide insights into the lives of these individuals. The script also touches on the literacy of women in the Roman world, as evidenced by a personal greeting added to a writing tablet. The discussion highlights the importance of these artifacts in understanding the diverse community living in and around the fort.
📚 The Vindolanda Tablets: Personal Stories from the Roman Frontier
Barbara Burley delves into the significance of the Vindolanda tablets, which provide personal insights into the lives of individuals living in the Roman frontier. She discusses the story of Tagas, a standard bearer, and his possible companion, illustrating the personal relationships and social dynamics within the community. The script also mentions the famous birthday invitation and the social connections it reveals, emphasizing the importance of these tablets in understanding the everyday life and social interactions of the people at Vindolanda.
📖 Historical Fiction Inspired by Roman Vindolanda
Adrian Goldsworthy discusses his work as a historian and novelist, focusing on his series of novels inspired by Vindolanda. He explains how he uses the archaeological and historical evidence to create a vivid portrayal of life in the Roman army. The script mentions the challenges of dating events in historical fiction and the need to create a compelling narrative. Goldsworthy also explores the social and cultural integration of Vindolanda, emphasizing its connection to the broader Roman world despite its location on the frontier.
🏙️ The Roman Army and Society in Britain
The script concludes with a discussion on the Roman army and its role in British society. It explores the social structure, including equestrians and their status within the Roman Empire. The script also touches on the importance of recommendations and social connections in the Roman world, as evidenced by the Vindolanda tablets. The discussion highlights the complex social dynamics and the integration of Roman culture in Britain, even on the fringes of the empire.
🤔 Q&A Session and Final Thoughts
The final part of the script involves a Q&A session where the speakers address various questions from the audience. Topics discussed include the number of people living at the fort, the recent discovery of a portable altar, and the potential for Roman soldiers from Mandra to have been sent to Hadrian's Wall. The speakers also explore the role of education in the Roman military and the presence of slaves and servants in the households of high-status individuals. The session concludes with a summary of the key points and a thank you to the speakers and audience.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Roman auxiliary Fort
💡Hadrian's Wall
💡Roman army
💡Vindolanda Trust
💡Auxiliary soldiers
💡Leisure activities
💡Writing tablets
💡Material culture
💡Religion in the Roman army
💡Social status
💡Archaeological excavation
Highlights
Introduction to the discussion on the Roman auxiliary Fort at Vindolanda and its insights into Roman army life.
The British Museum's current exhibition on Legion life in the Roman army is complemented by the discussion.
Introduction of Guy de la Bédoyère, a British historian with extensive work on Roman Britain.
Barbara Burley, curator of the Vindolanda Trust, and her research on Roman material culture.
Adrian Goldsworthy, a British historian and novelist known for his works on the Roman army and warfare.
The depiction of Britannia on a Roman coin as a militarized female personification.
The Roman forts as the heart of a larger Roman settlement with civilian life surrounding them.
The ethnic diversity of the Roman army, with soldiers coming from all over the Roman world.
Evidence of soldiers engaging in heavy labor, such as building Hadrian's Wall.
Leisure activities of Roman soldiers, including the use of latrines and socializing.
The legitimization of soldiers having families by Emperor Septimius Severus.
The famous birthday invitation from Vindolanda, providing a glimpse into social life on the Roman Frontier.
The tombstone of a child from the fort at Birdoswald, illustrating the tragic side of life in the Roman army.
The literacy of Roman soldiers and their extensive written records.
Religious practices of Roman soldiers, including state cults and personal deities.
The discovery of the shrine of Antenocitus, showing the blend of Roman and Celtic religious influences.
The complexity of life at Vindolanda, with the presence of multiple forts and a rich collection of artifacts.
The preservation of organic materials at Vindolanda due to anoxic conditions.
The discovery of the inscribed writing tablets, which provide a personal perspective on life in the Roman army.
The social implications of the artifacts found, such as the variety of shoes indicating a diverse population.
The ongoing excavations and research at Vindolanda, revealing new insights into the Roman past.
Transcripts
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