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Mosaics in Roman Britain: Stories in Stone
by Patricia Witts. When one thinks of mosaics, it is normally the stunning examples found in Rome's
eastern cities that come to mind, but the elite of Roman Britain were no different in their desire
to fill their houses with these entertaining expressions of status and good taste. This fully
illustrated and very interesting read focuses on the unexpectedly high number of mosaics that
survive from Roman Britain, looking in particular at those which depict people, animals or figures
from myth. Following a brief overview of the construction and execution of mosaics, Patricia Witts
examines examples according to their theme. With sections on love stories, heroes, gods and goddesses,
personifications, hunters and gladiators, the book discusses the characteristics, motifs and message
of mosaics from villas in Cirencester, Chedworth, Lullingstone, Caerwent, Bignor, Fishbourne and many
other places. A final section searches for clues to the message that the villa owner and the artist
wished to communicate through their complex and often perplexing mosaics. Includes a list of places
where mosaics may be seen.
192p, 24 col pls, 75 b/w illus (Tempus 2005) Pb £17.99
Time Team Book Club price £12.95
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Boudica: Iron Age Warrior Queen
by Richard Hingley and Christina Unwin. There seem to be as many different Boudicas as there are ways
to spell her name; she continues to fascinate readers and authors alike. This latest book surveys the
archaeological evidence for the queen of the Iceni and makes comparison with the written accounts
which, of course, were all composed by the triumphant and rather smug Romans. The first half of is
firmly grounded in archaeology, examining the physical remains of Iron Age Iceni and the rebellion
of AD 60. In the second half, the authors investigate the origins of 'Boadicea' the icon and her
conflicting symbolism as heroic warrior and mother or as an Amazonian harridan. These conflicting
attitudes towards the 'woman of many faces' are traced through the literature, art and mythology of
more recent centuries, concluding this fascinating and expert investigation of one of the most
remarkable and mysterious women in British history.
293, 44 b/w figs (Hambledon and London 2005) Hb £19.99
Time Team Book Club Price £16.95 |
