Classical Caledonia: Roman History and Myth in Eighteenth-Century Scotland

Explores early modern interpretations of Roman Scotland

Examines an important aspect of the development of Scottish identity, a subject being brought to the fore again in recent debates surrounding Scottish independence Offers an in-depth study of a largely overlooked aspect of Scottish historiography Makes extensive use of archival and manuscript material, much of it previously unpublished Takes a broad, multidisciplinary approach Examines the influence of the Scottish Enlightenment, James Macpherson’s Ossianic poems and the rise of Romanticism This book focuses on early modern attitudes towards Scotland’s ancient past and looks in particular at the ways in which this past was not only misunderstood, but also manipulated in attempts to create a patriotic history for the nation. Adding a new perspective on the formation of Scotland’s national identity, the book documents a century-long, often heated debate regarding the extent of Roman influence north of Hadrian’s Wall. By exploring the lives and writings of antiquarians, poets and Enlightenment thinkers, it aims to uncover the political, patriotic and intellectual influences which fuelled this debate. Classical Caledonia will cast light on a rarely discussed aspect of Scotland’s historiography, one which played a vital role in establishing early modern notions of ‘Scottishness’ at a time when Scotland was coming to terms with radical and traumatic changes to its position within Britain and the wider world.