Roman Military Signalling

Communication was essential to the operation of Rome's armies and frontier systems, yet military signalling has often received far less attention than forts, weapons and campaigns. In Roman Military Signalling, David Woolliscroft examines the methods of long-distance communication described in classical sources and asks how such systems may have worked in practice.

The study first considers signalling techniques developed in the Greek and Roman worlds before turning to archaeological evidence from Hadrian's Wall and the German limes. By analysing sightlines between observation posts and major forts, Woolliscroft argues that communication influenced the planning of Roman frontier installations, even where this could create tactical compromises. Illustrated throughout and supported by an appendix of key ancient references, the book combines textual evidence, landscape archaeology and practical investigation to explore an important aspect of Roman military organisation.