Families and slaves at the frontiers of the Roman Empire - Banbury Historical Society talk

The talk, at Banbury Mustum at 7.30pm, will be given by Claire Millington who has named her lecture 'I Shall Expect you Sister' - the lives and letters of frontier households in the Imperial Roman Army.

Ms Millington has been researching the extraordinary survivals of personal letters between the people at the furthest reaches of the Roman Empire.

Successful men from Rome’s provinces could command military units on the frontiers. With them went their households, their wives, children and freed and enslaved men and women.

These people wrote to each other, using ink pens on thin slips of wood. Extraordinarily, some letters survive and offer a glimpse of household life at Roman forts.

Claire Millington was born and bred in the Midlands and a posting to Rome as a diplomat sparked her interest in Rome’s empire. Once back in the UK she embarked on an MA, thanks to the Open University, and is finishing a Classics PhD at King’s College, London.

Entrance to the talk is free to members. Non- members are very welcome (£3 fee).