The Roman Empire

The most effective parts of The Eagle of the Ninth are the sections depicting everyday life in Britain during the days of the Roman Empire. The lives of soldiers in the Legion, Celtic tribesmen and even pompous merchants are effectively detailed. Many significant details regarding everyday life are worked into the narrative, including place names, religions and practices. In the more than fifty years since the novel was written, more information has been uncovered about the Roman Empire and the Roman Legions. Some of the new information differs from Sutcliff's version, but this in no way diminishes the overall impact of the novel. Perhaps primary among this new information is records of the Ninth Roman Legion outside of Britain until at least 161 A.D.

The Roman Empire appropriated much Ancient Greek art, culture and religion as its own. In part, this was an intentional strategy on...