by D. H. Montgomery 1837-1928

‘They Make a Desert and Call it Peace’

After the kingdoms of Great Britain were absorbed into the Roman Empire, the promises of prosperity and civilisation came only to a favoured few.

84

Roman Britain 43-410

Introduction

When the kingdoms of Britain joined the Roman Empire – some willingly, some not – their peoples found that it brought great benefits. Unfortunately, most never got to experience them. City-dwellers fared well and lived comfortably, if they were good Romans, but everyone else existed for their convenience.

by D. H. Montgomery 1837-1928

Abridged

YET the whole fabric was as hollow and false as it was splendid. Civilisation, like truth, cannot be forced on minds unwilling or unable to receive it. Least of all can it be forced by the sword’s point and the taskmaster’s lash. In order to render his victories on the continent secure, Caesar had not hesitated to butcher thousands of prisoners of war or to cut off the right hands of the entire population of a large settlement to prevent them from rising in revolt.

The policy pursued in Britain, though very different, was equally heartless and equally fatal. There was indeed an occasional ruler who endeavoured to act justly, but such cases were rare. Galgacus, a leader of the North Britons, said with truth of the Romans, ‘They give the lying name of Empire to robbery and slaughter; they make a desert and call it peace.’*

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Attributed by Tacitus in ‘Agricola’ §30 to Calgacus (or Galgacus), a chieftain of the Caledonian Confederacy in the AD 80s. Calgacus led his men against the Romans under Gnaeus Julius Agricola at the Battle of Mons Graupius, which took place somewhere in northern Scotland in AD 84. Despite their victory, the Romans never firmly established government so far north. Calgacus is referring to a slogan much beloved of the Roman authorities, ‘Peace and security’, which a close contemporary of his, St Paul, also regarded as empty words: see 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

Précis

American historian David Montgomery claimed that the civilisation brought to Britain by the Roman Empire was largely a facade, albeit a splendid one, because it was enforced by Government rather than willingly adopted. He quoted the words of Calgacus, the Caledonian tribal leader, who complained that the Romans dignified with the name of peace something that was merely frightened subjection.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

You can’t impose civilisation by force. The Romans tried to.

Clay Lane The Copybook