Review by Peter Halkon
As the cover note states, this is an accessible introduction to the major artefacts and sites within the county. As Adam is a member of the curatorial staff at the Yorkshire Museum in York, the book’s emphasis is on the remarkable objects housed there, which include the recently acquired Ryedale Hoard, with its copper-alloy head of Marcus Aurelius, and nationally significant funerary and religious sculptures. Beginning with a general geographical background, the following chapters briefly outline the military presence, urban centres, the countryside, religion, magic trade, and industry, as well as other aspects of everyday life. As this is published for a popular audience, there are no direct references in the text, but a useful short bibliography is provided at the end of the book for those who wish to delve further into Yorkshire’s Roman past. Attractively illustrated and an easy read, it will encourage readers to view the finds and sites for themselves.
Treasures of Roman Yorkshire Adam Parker Amberley Publishing, £15.99 ISBN 978-1398105102
