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In Chapters 7 8 & 9 Mason discusses, via the archaeology, the role of the established Classis Britannica, from 90 C.E. to the death of Constantine, which is an informative story not without its dramas and shows the influence of the navy in Britain after the decisions had been taken not to hold Scotland; then to take some of it back, then to leave it alone to defend the country against marauders. It includes the Cohors I Aelia Classica, whose member were part of `Hadrian's fleet' (Aelia Classica); sailors, formed to defend the Cumbrian coast, who by 158 C.E had cavalry units within it. Another unit, the Cohors I Menapiorum, nominally an infantry unit had `marines' within it. The navy's evolution, from a fleet that supported the army, to the later `pirate chasers' is explored, as is a re-interpretation of the functions of the Saxon Shore forts. These chapters surpass the knowledge written by Starr on Britain, again demonstrating the awakening of interest over the last five years in re-interpreting the importance of the navy. It also demonstrates once again the flexibility of all of the military forces of Rome.

The last chapter, `Who sails into the sunset?' charts the decline of Roman Britain using contemporary narrative and the known archaeology. It is of course part of the larger Roman problem; but uniquely Britain was overrun by a sea-bourn invader therefore the naval defences were paramount. Thus Mason literally concludes with; " By giving up their fleet the sub-Roman regime allowed Britannia to be submerged beneath a rising barbarian tide. One day there would be another British Navy but this time it would be Britannia, not Roma, that ruled the waves.". It is good to see that someone learnt from the mistakes of the sub-Romans!

So does this book live up to a `definitive work' accolade? No, there is obviously so much more that will published over the next decade now the academics have got their act together on this subject. This is however, a giant step forward in the understanding of the scope, magnitude and flexibility of Roman naval operations in Britain. Well-done Mr. Mason a hearty thank you!

The book up for review: Roman Britain and the ROMAN NAVY,
by David J.P. Mason, Tempus Publishing Ltd., Gloucestershire, England (2003).
ISBN 0 7524 2541 2
Soft-back, price £17.99p

 

Review by Stan Kitchener

 

 

Roman Britain and the Roman Navy,

by David J.P. Mason, Tempus Publishing Ltd (cont)