The Roman auxillary fort of Vindolanda has produced by far the largest assemblage of Roman footwear to be recovered anywhere. The remains of 5,000 shoes have been found, many in a remarkably good state of preservation, allowing 1,000 to be categorised to a known shoe style. The range of styles, and why the shoes have survived so well, is clearly explained, but it is the location of their recovery, just as important as the quantity and condition, that gives the most important insights into life at the fort. Vindolanda provides a rare opportunity to study the footwear found in specific buildings and individual rooms. The presence of women and children identified from shoes in an infantry barrack block and in the praetorium – the commanding officer’s house – famously opened the way to the acceptance of the presence of families at the fort in what had formerly been considered an all-male preserve. Lavishly illustrated and engagingly written to be enjoyed by a wide audience, the book gives fascinating information for both the general Roman enthusiast and the finds specialist.
REVIEW BY QUITA MOULD
Elizabeth M Greene
Amberley Publishing, £16.99
ISBN 978-1398131125
