Item Number: 111368 Title: The Fall of the Western Roman Empire: An Archaeological and Historical Perspective Author: Christie, Neil Price: Not Available ISBN: 9781849663373 Description: London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2011. 24cm., hardcover, 306pp. illus. Summary: There are possibly more explanations for the fall of the Roman Empire than for any other event in history: from the theory that links the widespread use of lead in utensils and glass with mental impairment (and hence incapacity for rule) to the sequoia tree theory, which purports to show through reduced ring growth in these ancient trees how the period coinciding with the fall of empire was one of hardship and death. The more bizarre theories are entertaining but devoid of explanatory power. The question still remains: why did the empire fall? As Christie suggests, the question is misconceived, for rather than collapse there was in the west a process of transformation and in the east the empire continued, scarcely less 'Roman' than before even though Rome itself was not a component. One of the distinctive features of Christie's book is the interplay he allows between history and archaeology, showing the reader the kinds of theme best illuminated by textual evidence and those where developments in archaeology have proved more fruitful. (Historical Endings) We regret to inform you that this title is no longer available. P.O. Box 3904, Kingston, New York 12402 US Phone: 845-331-8519 Fax: 845-331-0852 Email: michael@artbooks.com |
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