You might be surprised to learn that this charming city was once a pivotal hub of Roman activity. Paul Chrystal’s "A Historical Guide to Roman York" sheds much-needed light on this lesser-known chapter, offering a rich and detailed exploration of York’s role during the Roman occupation, which lasted over 300 years.

Unlike many historical accounts that present events in a linear fashion, Chrystal’s book takes a holistic approach. He contextualizes the significance of York—known as Eboracum in Roman times—within the broader landscape of Roman Britain and the Empire. This isn’t just a list of dates and events; rather, it’s an insightful analysis of why certain events unfolded, the motivations behind military strategies, and the social dynamics at play.

For instance, the book discusses Julius Caesar’s initial invasion and the complexities surrounding the Claudian invasion. It examines why York was strategically developed into a military fortress and how it became one of Roman Britain’s capitals. Chrystal's narrative weaves in compelling stories, such as Constantine's embrace of Christianity and the various political upheavals that rocked the province, bringing to life the tumultuous era that shaped York's identity.

The book is organized into three main sections: "Eboracum and the Empire," which delves into the broader history of York; "Roman York – What Remains?," focusing on archaeological insights and local museums; and "Appendixes," which provide additional context and fascinating tidbits about the era. For those with a serious interest in Roman history, this book is a treasure trove of information.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book was an entertaining and informative way to learn something new as I never knew that York had a Roman past.
Well researched and well written, it was an interesting read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Very interesting and detailed description of the 300 years of Roman occuption of York from a political and social context. A number of maps are included but only in black and white, and unfortunately there are no pictures of any Roman artefacts.

This is a very interesting book which details specifically with the Roman occupation of York and the political and social atmosphere at these times over the occupation lasting over 300 years.Well and researched and thought out by the author.A thoroughly good read.

When I think about York, my mind automatically goes to the Vikings. I apologise deeply to the Romans for ignoring them. "A Historical Guide to Roman York" is written in an easy to read style, has obviously been researched thoroughly, is absolutely fascinating, and has probably cured me of my York/Viking fixation! Thanks, Paul Chrystal!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

I have a degree in Classical Studies and was very excited to read this book, as I don’t know a terrific amount about Roman Britain. I wasn’t even aware that York had a Roman past! So this was great. Context for the whole of Britain was given, and lots of primary and secondary sources used. I think this is a great book for anyone with an interest, and would be a very useful academic source too.

The Roman Era is fascinating. I might be biased, but it’s quite high on my top ten list, battling with the Victorian Era for the first place on the podium.

One consequence of my predilection is a compulsive—Pavlovian?—need to hoard Roman-themed books, such as A Historical Guide to Roman York. On display on NetGalley, it looked promising enough, and I was curious to see what York had to offer anyway.

**


Considering that York was always an important Roman city there are few books available that are devoted specifically to the Roman occupation, even though it lasted for over 300 years and played a significant role in the politics and military activity of Roman Britain and the Roman Empire throughout that period. The few books that there are tend to describe the Roman era and its events in date by date order with little attention paid either to why things happened as they did or to the consequences of these actions and developments. This book is different in that it gives context to what happened here in the light of developments in Roman Britain generally and in the wider Roman Empire; the author digs below the surface and gets behind the scenes to shed light on the political, social and military history of Roman York (Eboracum), explaining, for example, why Julius Caesar invaded, what indeed was really behind the Claudian invasion, why was York developed as a military fortress, why as one of Roman Britain’s capitals? Why did the emperors Hadrian and Severus visit the fortress? You will also discover how and why Constantine accepted and projected Christianity from here, York’s role in the endless coups and revolts besetting the province, the headless gladiators and wonderful mosaics discovered here and why the Romans finally left York and Roman Britain to its own defence. These intriguing historical events are brought to life by reference to the latest local archaeological and epigraphical evidence, to current research and to evolving theories relating to the city’s Roman treasures, of which can be seen in the Yorkshire Museum in York, or in situ.

216 pages
Historical
Pen & Sword
Goodreads

**

Cover: Interesting, even if not of my liking.

Yay!

- A Historical Guide to Roman York takes us back in time. Written by Paul Chrystal, it feels more like a history guide rather than a travel book – a detail that might puzzle readers at first, but proves enjoyable nonetheless. Fair warning, it’s not a book for beginners. If you like to delve deep into things, however, run to the nearest store and grab yourself a copy.

- The book is split into three main sections: Eboracum and the Empire, featuring the history of Britain and York; Roman York – What Remains?, which is about archeology and museums; Appendixes, with a miscellanea of historical bits. Structure-wise, it’s a good idea.

- Chrystal has a nice writing style, and everything detailed in here is accurate to the max. It’s a feast for history buffs like me; besides, it’s clear that Chrystal cares a lot about Roman York and his passion shows.

Nay!

- There are two major flaws with A Historical Guide to Roman York, and they both have to do with the pictures. One, Chrystal only chose black/white ones to embellish his book with, and two, their placement is wrong. Reading about the Romans is nice; seeing artifacts is better. What a disappointment.
TL;DR

3 stars on GR.

A well written and engaging book. Excellent read for anyone visiting York. I have visited a number of times but next time I’ll take this book with me.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was clearly written in an engaging style and included many of those well-chosen, intriguing details that bring history to life.

I received a copy of the book from the publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!

military-history, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, nonfiction, Western Roman Empire*****

Well documented extensive research into the early history of invasion and development of the foreign land known as Britannia and the subjugation of it's indigenous peoples takes up the first third ending it with the new BCE/CE system. The ascent and rise of Constantine and the adoption of Christians by the Romans is also documented. It is also an excellent military history of the establishment of governmental administration. Thence it moves on to the establishment of Yorkshire. Withdrawal of Roman troops became more dramatic after the murder of Constantine and the rise in Italy of Alaric of the Visigoths. About here I felt overwhelmed and simply gave up. But a military historian would not have done so. The author is well known and respected in his field and I do not hesitate to give this latest effort 5 stars.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History via NetGalley. Thank you!

This book is a historical look at the history of Roman York. It's a dense history not for the uninitiated, and for those with a lack of background in historic non fiction reads may find it a slow one. However, it is incredibly interesting and an excellent read which ties in archaeology, roman history, and exactly what the impact of the Romans were in early Britain and why they eventually left York. A visit to the Yorkshire Museum is a sure must after reading this.

This book was not what I was expecting as it was labeled as a travel book when it is really a history book. I was hoping that it would be like a walking guide to the roman sites in and near York, but it was a history of the Romans in York. I skimmed a few chapters and then gave up because I just didn't care. A historian or classics expert is going to absolutely love this book and I could tell it was extremely well researched and written which is why I'm still giving it three stars, but it is sorely mislabeled as a travel book.

A Historical Guide to Roman York by Paul Chrystal

Having an interest in Roman history in the UK , and having either lived near , or visited many places , this book was very thoroughly researched and explained in a way that keeps the reader interested.
I often enjoy a walk around York and this book will enable to see it with new eyes.
It also covers areas other than York.