Boudicca's Heirs

Book excerpt: Affording a clearer depiction of women in the Late Iron Age and Roman Britain than currently exists, Dorothy Watts examines archaeological, inscriptional and literary evidence to present a unique assessment of women and their place during the Romanization of Britain. Analyzing information from over 4,000 burials in terms of age, health and nutrition, Watt draws comparison with evidence on men’s lives and burials. Effectively integrating her archaeological findings with the political and social history of the late Iron Age and Roman period, she expertly places women in their real context. This fascinating study of women’s status, daily life, religion and death is an invaluable insight into the lives and loves of women in Roman Britain, and students of history, women’s studies, classical studies and archaeology will find this book an indispensable aid to their studies.