The Piercebridge formula in the North-East of England : an assessment and alternative method of supply to the Roman army
This thesis tests a recent theory of Roman military supply in the North-east of England. The Piercebridge formula (Selkirk, 1983) involves a system of Roman forts provisioned by barges along rivers made navigable by a series of dams, locks and canals. The formula is first assessed on a theoretical basis: as a comprehensive road system was built across Britain during the Conquest period, construction of Piercebridge formula components for river-borne fort supply would have been justified only if the Piercebridge formula was significantly more efficient than overland transport. To this end, the efficiency of Piercebridge formula river-borne fort supply vis-a-vis the efficiency of overland fort supply is assessed in a survey area comprising the North-east of England. Evidence for the Iformulal is then assessed at ten sites across the North-east. A second aim of this thesis is to present an alternative to the Piercebridge formula method of supply to forts in the North-east. This alternative method involves sea-borne transport to ports serving the North-eastr overland transport by ox-cart and pack animals along the Roman as well as native road systems, and river transport upon barges and other craft when such rivers
Anderson, James Donald
Archaeology
The Piercebridge formula in the North-East of England : an assessment and alternative method of supply to the Roman army. This thesis tests a recent theory of Roman military supply in the North-east of England. The Piercebridge formula (Selkirk, 1983) involves a system of Roman forts provisioned by barges along rivers made navigable by a series of dams, locks and canals. The formula is first assessed on a theoretical basis: as a comprehensive road system was built across Britain during the Conquest period, construction of Piercebridge formula components for river-borne fort supply would have been justified only if the Piercebridge formula was significantly more efficient than overland transport. To this end, the efficiency of Piercebridge formula river-borne fort supply vis-a-vis the efficiency of overland fort supply is assessed in a survey area comprising the North-east of England. Evidence for the Iformulal is then assessed at ten sites across the North-east. A second aim of this thesis is to present an alternative to the Piercebridge formula method of supply to forts in the North-east. This alternative method involves sea-borne transport to ports serving the North-eastr overland transport by ox-cart and pack animals along the Roman as well as native road systems, and river transport upon barges and other craft when such rivers
formula north_east_england assessment alternative_method supply roman_army test recent_theory roman_military supply north_east_england formula involve system roman fort provision along river make series lock canal formula first assess theoretical_basis comprehensive road system build across_britain conquest period construction formula component river borne fort supply would justify formula significantly efficient overland transport end efficiency formula river borne fort supply vis_a_vis efficiency overland fort supply assess survey area comprise north_east_england evidence assess site_across north_east second_aim present_alternative formula method supply fort north_east alternative_method involve sea borne transport port serve north overland transport cart pack animal along roman well native road system river transport upon craft river