John ReidThe Eagle and the Bear: A New History of Roman Scotland

A brilliant book, hard to put down. I’ve read every title I could find about the Roman Empire’s occupation of northern Britain and its relationship with the region’s indigenous inhabitants. Some of those works were very good, while John Reid’s study could well be the best to date. He makes a strong, convincing argument for fierce native resistance. Not only were the warlike Caledonians / Picts Rome’s most stubborn enemies in the British Isles, but perhaps one of the most stubborn tribal enemies the Roman Imperial Army ever encountered. If you have any interest in this period, you’ll find this an excellent resource.

Very interesting book, lots of facts and local history.

This is a great book.

This book has been fascinating and a joy to read. Brilliantly written and beautifully illustrated. I have had the fortune of attending some of Dr. Reid’s lectures and talks both online and in person, and so I was thrilled when I learned about this book coming out. I can say it did not disappoint, but lived up and exceeded my expectations! Widely & deeply researched the book is a must have for anyone interested in the Romans in Scotland, with the rigorous research of an academic work, yet very accessible, engaging and with the ease of readability that is -sadly- often rare in academia. History, archaeology and years of experience combined to make a truly remarkable volume that challenges preconceptions about the Romans in Scotland and particularly about their relationship with the Caledonians and the fierce resistance that these Iron Age tribes posed to the ‘might of Rome’.

I am really enjoying reading this book. It's obvious the author knows his stuff, and has put across the competing theories about this fascinationg period with an admirable (I believe) balance. I'd heartily recommend it, even for someone with little prior knowledge of Roman Scotland.

I have just finished The Eagle and the Bear. What a good read! Loved it. A beautifully written andfascinating account with new insights into the Romans but also the Scots of the time.Truly an enduring monument of scholarship, endless dedication, and objective attention to many important details. Obviously a labour of love. Also a very absorbing detectivestory ,excellently well told. As a native of Angus with family connections in the Angus glensI appreciated that the narrative paid due attention to those natives who might be our forebears.I hope the book does well- it deserves to.

If you are willing to challenge your commonly held misconceptions about Roman era Scotland then give this amazing book a read and expand your perspective10/10 would recommend

Great read, sheds more light on the Romans in Scotland, makes up for book price😉

This is an invaluable companion to any understanding of Roman Scotland. From Hadrian's Wall all the way to the north of the island, with a truly amazing selection of photos, maps, and art. From the temporary marching camps to the Legionary Fortress at Inchtuthil you get a great understanding of the marks the Legions left on Scotland. A great overview of the evolution of the understanding of the successive invasions and raids by both sides as well as the developing culture of Pictish Scotland. The book is slightly marred by the author's rare digressions into modern politics for analogies, which will date the book a bit, but skip past that and you're right back on track. If you're tramping Scotland looking for Roman sites, take this along-from the Antonine Wall to battle sites it's a great resource.