annieb123's Review of Julia Velva, A Roman Lady from York

by Patrick Ottaway

The tombstone of Julia Velva, one of the best-preserved examples from Roman Britain, was found close to a Roman road just outside the centre of York. Fifty years old when she died in the early third century, Julia Velva was probably from a wealthy family able to afford a fine monument. Patrick Ottaway uses the tombstone as the starting point to investigate what the world she lived in was like.

Drawing on the latest archaeological discoveries and scientific techniques, the author describes the development of Roman York's legionary fortress, civilian town and surrounding landscape. He also looks at manufacturing and trade, and considers the structure of local society along with the latest analytical evidence for people of different ethnic backgrounds. Aspects of daily life discussed include literacy, costume, cosmetics and diet. There are also chapters dedicated to the abundant York evidence for religion and burial customs. This book presents a picture of what one would have found on the edge of a great Empire at a time when York itself was at the height of its importance. Illustrated with dozens of photographs, specially prepared plans and illustrations, this is an excellent study of one of Roman Britain's most important places.

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Julia Velva, a Roman Lady from York is an engaging look at the history of Roman York during the mid-second to mid-third century A.D. through the lens of two actual historical figures (Julia Velva herself and her heir Aurelius Mercurialis) and what their lives might have been like. Due out 31st March, 2021 from Pen & Sword Books, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

The author, Dr. Patrick Ottaway, is an academic and this is what I would call a layman accessible academic treatise of Roman York, its culture, and history. As an academic work, it is *full* of tables and statistics and maps and minutiae (in a good way). The author definitely shows his work. I loved poring over the illustrations along with the exhaustive bibliography and full chapter notes and annotations. The notes and references are likely worth the price of admission for anyone interested in the subject and there's obviously been a swoon-worthy amount of time spent on research and resource gathering on the part of the author. He has taken care to explain new concepts and words in context (no Latin proficiency needed to access and enjoy the read).

I found the entire book quite fascinating. It is admittedly a niche book and will appeal to readers interested in cultural anthropology, but might not appeal to readers looking for an easy read. I found this one so engaging that I'm going back to try to acquire some of the author's other work; he is a gifted writer and brings ancient history to life.

Five stars. This is well and deeply researched and interesting.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Julia Velva, A Roman Lady from York

by Patrick Ottaway

Reviewed by annieb123 on Mar 13, 2021

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