Two thousand years ago the Roman army, one of the world's most successful fighting machines, set out to conquer Scotland. Three invasions were attempted, and each ended in withdrawal. These forays have left their mark on today's landscape in the form of impressive earthworks - the remains of forts and frontiers constructed by the army, including the most spectacular of all, the Antonine Wall, which formed Rome's north-western frontier.

In this fully revised and updated edition, Dr David Breeze draws on the latest archaeological discoveries and cutting-edge research, along with contemporary Roman documents including the uniquely informative Vindolanda writing tablets, to assess these three periods of occupation and the effect they had on Scotland and its people. He asks:

• Why the Romans chose to invade and why did they fail?
• What was the strength and nature of the invasion force?
•  How strong was the opposition?
• What was daily life like for civilians and soldiers?

Fully illustrated with photographs, maps and drawings, this accessible but authoritative book is an essential guide to this fascinating and turbulent period of Scottish history.

David Breeze formerly Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments with Historic Scotland from 1989 to 2005, is an Honorary Professor at the Universities of Durham, Edinburgh and Newcastle, and has excavated extensively in north Britain and published numerous books and articles on Roman frontiers and the Roman army.