Farewell Rome

BOOK LAUNCH in WIMBORNE

Saturday 26th January 2008

Live the trauma suffered by Dorset's inhabitants when the Second Roman Legion invaded their territory in AD 44 and 45 and they had the temerity to oppose the invader. Follow the brave story of their resistance, mainly from their many hillforts, from Hengistbury to Maiden Castle. At the same time share the trials and tribulations suffered by a young Roman officer serving with the Legion who was unwise enough to show compassion to conquered people, and even more unwise as to fall for the daughter of a Celtic chieftain. Written by Keith Perryman, a lawyer and student of the Roman period, 'Farewell Rome' tells us that not all Romans were cruel and arrogant, but if they were not, there was probably a price to pay.

Photo Courtesy of Gary Barbosa - Champion 1 Productions, USA

In April 2004 our Roman living-history group called 'Legio Secunda Augusta'
visited the eternal City, and here I am leading the march round Rome ahead of the Emperor Vespasian (played by an American by the name of Dan!) and his Empress. About 400 Roman soldiers and some civilians were in the march which was one of my most moving experiences. I am wearing a Senatorial toga and in fact was wrongly carrying the 'fasces' (the symbol of the Emperor's power). A Senator would not have been asked to do that - but I decided 'what the hell' !

FareWELL ROME

AD 44 THE ROMAN ARMY DESCENDS UPON SOUTHERN BRITAIN. A SEEMINGLY UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, BUT ONE WHICH MANY OF THE PROUD CELTIC TRIBES SEEK TO OPPOSE YOUNG TRIBUNE, GAIUS, FINDS HIMSELF THRUST INTO THE BITTER FIGHTING AGAINST THE DUROTRIGES OF DORSET, A BRAVE AND CUNNING ENEMY. BUT GAIUS QUICKLY LEARNS THAT HONOUR IS A SCARCE COMMODITY ON THE BATTLEFIELD AS HE CLASHES WITH FELLOW OFFICERS OVER THE BEAUTIFUL SLAVE GIRL, ELEN. AS THE WORLD TEARS ITSELF APART AROUND HIM GAIUS IS TO LEARN THAT ROMANS MAKE THE DEADLIEST OF ENEMIES AND THAT ALLIES COME IN THE STRANGEST FORM 'FAREWELL ROME' IS AN EPIC ROMANCE THAT TAKES GAIUS AND ELEN FROM THE BLOOD-SOAKED FIELDS OF BRITANNIA TO SHIMMERING ROME ITSELF.

Excerpt:
Farewell Rome
It is AD 44 and the Durotriges, the Celtic tribe occupying modem-day Dorset, have the temerity to resist the Roman invader. The Second Augustan Legion, led by the future Emperor Vespasian, is given the task of subduing the resulting in the siege of several tribal hillforts. Gaius, a young Tribune serving with the Legion, sees Elen, the daughter of a tribal chieftain shackled as a slave. Their strong attachment to each other causes Gaius to fall foul of a group of Roman officers, one of whom owns Elen. They plot to have him killed at the siege of Hod Hffl.
Continue reading...

Praise
"Told against the background of a fascinating episode of British history, the research shines through the pages making the story entirely believable. A really good read. I found it difficult to put down." - MAJOR GENERAL CORRAN PURDON, C.B.E. M.C., C.P.M.

Appearances
2008 Talks Series

Links: » Legio Secvnda Avgvsta

Interview
Click here for an in-depth Q+A with author Keith Perryman

Video
Click here to see a video of Keith Perryman speak at the British Museum.