Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Frontier of the Roman Province of Raetia

An accessible introduction to the Roman frontier province of Raetia, exploring its military, political and cultural significance from the early Empire to Late Antiquity. Featuring the latest research and UNESCO World Heritage context, the book examines life and defence along Rome’s frontier in southern Germany and the Danube region.

Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Frontier of the Roman Province of Raetia explores the unique role of Raetia as both a defensive frontier protecting the Italian mainland and a geopolitical crossroads between the eastern and western Roman Empire. Drawing on the latest archaeological and historical research, the volume examines the evolution of the Raetian frontier, troop deployment, local populations, frontier organisation, and the changing fortunes of the province from the early Empire through Late Antiquity. Richly illustrated and accessible, the book offers readers an engaging introduction to the history and significance of one of Rome’s most important frontier regions.

The book also highlights the international importance of the Raetian frontier within the UNESCO World Heritage initiative Frontiers of the Roman Empire. Sections of the former frontier are now recognised as part of the Upper German-Raetian Limes and the Danube Limes (Western Segment), reflecting their outstanding universal value. Featuring guidance to museums and visitor sites along the frontier, this volume supports ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the shared cultural heritage of the Roman world for future generations.

Foreword by Suzana Matešić

FRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Common cultural heritage of the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire

Frontiers and trade

The ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire’ World Heritage Site

The definition of a World Heritage Site

The task ahead

History and extent of frontiers

Rome’s foreign policy

The location of frontiers

The army and frontiers

The purpose of frontiers

Soldiers and civilians

Military administration

Research on Roman frontiers

Inscriptions and documents

Survey and excavation

Aerial survey and remote sensing

Protection and presentation of frontiers

Future perspectives

THE FRONTIER OF THE ROMAN PROVINCE OF RAETIA

Why Raetia?

The Evolution of the Frontier

The Raetian border

The East Raetian Danube border in the first three centuries

Troop deployment in Raetia

The local population of the province under Roman influence

Military and population at the border in the 2nd and 3^rd centuries

Good times – bad times

Empire in Crisis

Thick high walls – Frontier Organisation in the Late Roman period

Museums on the Raetian Limes

Visitor highlights on the Raetian Limes

Further reading

Illustration acknowledgements

• By (author) Thomas Fischer
• By (author) Veronika Fischer
• By (author) Christof Flügel
• By (author) Markus Gschwind
• By (author) Martina Meyr
• By (author) Bernd Steidl
• By (author) David J. Breeze