REVIEW BY REBECCA JONES
This is not a traditional archaeology or history book. It defies conventional modern categorisation, taking its inspiration from the writings of antiquarian travellers, such as Jessie Mothersole. Indeed, the author is an expert in antiquarians, and that shines through his panegyric narrative and evocative drawings.
Travelling from the Scottish border to places in north-eastern Scotland that have been associated with the unlocated battle of Mons Graupius, the narrative weaves its way through various Roman sites en route, but it does not limit itself to the Roman period – it squirrels off into delightful digressions about places being visited, past histories, and the people the author met along the way. It is interspersed with commentary on Tacitus’ Agricola, recognising the flaws in this ancient narrative but using it nonetheless.
Travelling with the author, will you know the location of Mons Graupius at the end? Perhaps no more so than by reading previous studies, but this is a most enjoyable journey.
Dispersed ancient Mediterranean cities