The Work of Giants

Roman society demanded stone on an unprecedented scale, and the province of Britannia was no exception. Indeed, widespread building in masonry is one of the that distinguishes the Roman period in Britain from preceding eras, and from the so called 'Dark Ages' that followed. Quarrying was an essential part of this phenomenon, providing materials for military, civil and private structures, often on a massive scale. The ruins of Roman buildings continue to evoke intense interest and study. However, the extraction and supply of rock, which underpinned ancient construction in Britain, is a much-neglected subject. This book attempts to redress the balance, offering a portrait of quarrying in Britannia. It outlines the historical development of stone use in the province and describes the products, organisation and people associated with the industry. This is a practical study that embraces all aspects of the subject, from procurement at the rock face through to the transport of stone to the building site.