Evolution of the limes betwen 2nd and 4th centuries. Fossilization of the frontier through archaeological evidence in Britannia, Germania & Rhaetia

Identifier:  TFM:197

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM197

Authors:  Sirisi Parreu, Marcel

Abstract:
This paper aims to address some of the most significant aspects of the evolution of limes and changes in roman foreign policy between II and IV centuries AD through the archaeological remains. In particular, it focuses on the conceptual and practical changes that occur on the limes. These changes can be summarized in the passage from a provisional mobile border to a static and permanent one, and also it's subsequent fortification. To solve this issue it is chosen to present three scenarios quite similar despite their peculiarities. These are the provinces of Britannia, Germania Superior and Raetia, which are included in the Limes Britannicus and the Limes Germanicus. In both scenarios, the limes runs through a passable piece of land (with some exceptions) and crossing it does not require any technical assistance. Thus, despite of the title, this paper deliberately excludes Germania Inferior, because in that province the limes is made by the middle and lower courses of the Rhine and it wouldn't be of interest for the purposes of this work. With these three mentioned scenarios, it starts a comparative analysis of the needs, problems and characteristics of each area, how do romans respond to it and what reaction generates to the adversary.