This is a fascinating and high detailed depiction of Ancient Britain, published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK).
The map provides a detailed representation of Roman Britain, informed by the Antonine Itinerary, Ptolemy’s Geography, and other ancient sources. The map integrates historical, geographical, and archaeological data, highlighting Roman stations, roads, and tribal distributions across England and Wales.
Key Features:
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Roman Stations and Roads:
- The map includes stations from the Antonine Itinerary, noted with precise geographical associations to modern English towns. For example, Alone corresponds to Whitley Castle, and Camboricum to Cambridge. Other significant Roman towns like Calleva (Reading) and Vindolanda (Chesterholm) are marked.
- Roman roads such as Watling Street, Ryknield Street, and Ermine Street are identified, noted as originally "British ways" adapted for Roman use.
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Provincial Nations and Tribal Territories:
- Areas are divided according to Roman administrative divisions, labeled as I. Maxima Caesariensis, II. Flavia Caesariensis, III. Britannia Prima, and IV. Britannia Secunda.
- Additional commentary references tribes not mentioned by Ptolemy, such as the Bibroci (in parts of Hampshire and Sussex), the Hedui (in Somerset and Gloucester), and the Sistuntii (in Westmorland and Cumberland).
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Annotations and Archaeological Features:
- The map highlights the location of ancient Roman remains, such as walls, forts, and significant ruins. Notable entries include the Antonine Wall and Hadrian's Wall, illustrating the Roman boundary of Britannia.
- Objects like stone chimneys, sugar cane, and other relics associated with Roman life are listed in the accompanying descriptive notes.
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Textual Additions:
- A detailed legend provides explanations for the Roman sites and their modern equivalents. For instance, Durolipons is equated with Cambridge and Trajectus with Oldbury.
- The text clarifies the questionable authority of sources like Richard of Cirencester, emphasizing scholarly caution.
This map combines historical depth with a geographical overview, offering insights into Roman Britain's infrastructure, administrative divisions, and cultural landscape. It serves as a critical educational tool for understanding the interaction between Roman and indigenous Briton societies.