The Celtic hillforts and Roman forts of the Strathmore valley

The Strathmore valley is a wide, fertile valley which runs from Perth in the south west to Stonehaven on the north east coast. The valley marks the southern boundary of the Scottish highlands. Around 80AD, the Strathmore valley was the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire. It was the ‘Helmand province’ of Caledonia, the ungovernable land. When the Romans crossed the River Tay into the Strathmore valley, they would have found a land inhabited by fierce Caledonian tribes who lived in hillforts and settlements in the valley. They were farmers, herdsmen, warriors and traders. They rode chariots into battle and fought with swords, spears and shields. There are several Celtic hillforts in the Strathmore valley on the boundary of the highlands and in the Sidlaws to the south. The Romans also built a series of forts and marching camps as well as the legionary fortress of Inchtuthil. This book provides an overview of the hillforts and any associated legends and Pictish stones as well as the Roman forts and marching camps. It also provides photos and illustrations. The author brings you on a tour of the ancient landscape of the Strathmore valley, providing the perspective of the native tribes defending their homelands and the Roman army marching into new, unconquered territory.