Roman Dorset

“Roman Dorset” by Bill Putnam, published by Dovecote Press in 1984, offers a detailed exploration of the region during the Roman Invasion of AD 43. This first edition, comprising 94 pages, delves into the history of present-day Dorset, focusing on the Iron Age tribe known as the Durotriges and the subsequent Roman influence brought by the Second Legion Augusta under Vespasian. The book highlights significant archaeological findings, including an amphitheatre, aqueduct, and public baths in Dorchester, known as Durnovaria.

Readers will find a comprehensive account of how Roman culture permeated local life within a generation, transforming the area significantly. Putnam discusses the neighboring towns, notable villas such as the expansive Dawlish Villa, and the local industries that thrived under Roman rule. Additionally, the text examines the religious beliefs and practices of the Romanized inhabitants, alongside the development of a new network of Roman roads that facilitated connectivity in the region. This work serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the historical interplay between Roman and local cultures in Great Britain.