In 1949, in the aftermath of a devastating war, Eric Birley organised
the First Congress of Roman Frontier Studies. His aim was not only to
pursue the study of Roman frontiers but also to take a step towards
restoring harmony in international relations within this field of
research. The pattern was set early on: the exchange of information,
networking and friendship. These three elements remain at the core of
the approach of those organising and attending the Congress. They are
reinforced by the pattern of the meetings, usually held every three
years. The programme includes not only lectures but also visits to the
local Roman military sites led by appropriate specialists. Over the 73
years since the First Congress, membership has grown enormously with
more lecture theatres and more coaches being required every meeting.
This publication marks the twenty-fifth Congress at Nijmegen in the
Netherlands, a city well known to Roman frontier archaeologists and
early medieval scholars alike. It aims to help newer members understand
the body they have joined; for those who have been attending for longer,
it will be a reminder of friendships made and strengthened; for all, the
book hopes to be a spur to continuing investigations and research into
Rome's greatest monument, its frontiers; for the moment of publication,
it will be a celebration of the twenty-fifth Congress of Roman Frontier
Studies.
