On a three-month journey from Britain to Bulgaria, historian Garrett Ryan traces the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, exploring how Rome’s legacy continues to shape contemporary Europe

From the Scottish Lowlands to the shores of the Black Sea, the northern frontier of the Roman Empire was guarded by a chain of fortifications that rivaled the Great Wall of China. It was here that the Romans introduced their culture to much of Europe. It was here that generations of emperors were made. It was here, ultimately, that the empire was lost.

Historian Garrett Ryan spent three months following the line of Rome’s northern frontier across 17 countries. He hiked along Hadrian’s Wall, traced overgrown ditches through German forests, and explored desolate forts in the Romanian countryside. He found, however, that ruins were only one of Rome’s legacies to the ancient borderlands. Many of the linguistic and religious divisions that define modern Europe were born on the Rome’s northern frontier. So—eventually—were Charlemagne, aspects of the Renaissance, and the European Union.

A vivid and witty travelogue brought to life by Dr. Ryan’s deep knowledge of ancient history, On the Edge of Empire offers a unique journey through countries and centuries and a new perspective on Rome’s enduring influence in modern Europe.