Commanding the Wild West of the Roman Empire

Who mastered Roman Britain? By Alistair Tosh

When we consider the ancient Roman army we often imagine rank after, well-ordered, rank of legionaries. Their polished armour glistening as the stormtroopers of the empire faced off against yet another barbarian horde. But keeping standing armies continually in the field was cripplingly expensive. So how was order maintained in the wild and untamed northern lands of Britannia?

Anyone who has holidayed in Cumbria or the Southwest of Scotland will be familiar with their bare rolling mountains, long stretches of sandy beaches and deep glens with silver waters rushing through them. They are stunning and peaceful areas to visit on a family holiday. However, two thousand years ago these lands looked and felt very different.