This book began its life during a lengthy after dinner discussion with various international scholars at the Roman Army School in Durham in 2007 and was actually finished thanks to the persistence of Philip Sidnell, who proved to be one of the most patient and understanding editors, despite some very unexpected ‘curve balls’. My sincere thanks to him and to Karen Selley, his colleague, for their efforts.
Many of the points raised in this book are the result of numerous discussions with friends and colleagues in Britain (especially at the University of Liverpool, the Roman Army School and the Roman Northern Frontier Seminar), and at numerous other occasions with friends and colleagues from Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland (especially at UCD and Trinity College) and the United States. There were so many of you, I fear I can’t thank you all in person. But wherever you are many thanks for your time and the ability to find me that last interesting reference, just when I was despairing or thought I was done. Special thanks also to Jo Fenton, who read through earlier drafts of many chapters in search of the numerous grammar and spelling blunders that I tend to leave in my manuscripts.
Particular thanks to David Breeze, James Ellis Jones, Jorit Wintjes, Adam Parker and Eberhard Sauer, who took a lot of time despite being busy, to comment on earlier drafts of this book and helped with suggestions and permissions for pictures and maps. I really enjoyed your help and the ensuing discussions, and I apologize for all the times I kept you awake well beyond everybody else’s bedtime. Any mistakes that remain are utterly my own; you did your best.
My thanks go to my family. Who despite numerous family disasters of various kinds, always came through in the end. Thanks for believing in me, when I was ready to pack it all in; especially to you, David.