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Description
Fossatum Africae
Recherches aériennes sur l'organisation des confins sahariens à l'époque romaine
by Jean Baradex
Pub. Arts et Metiers Graphiques, Paris, 1949.
First edition, limited to 1000 copies (no. 853).
Softback.
x, 389 pages, illustrated
French text
Fossatum Africae ("African ditch") is one or more linear defensive structures claimed to extend over 470 miles in northern Africa, constructed during the Roman Empire to defend and control the southern borders of the Empire in Africa. It is considered to be part of the greater frontier system in Roman Africa. The full extent of the Fossatum was not known until after World War II, when the use of aerial photography to locate archaeological sites was pursued by Col. Jean Baradez. He followed up the aerial work with traverses on the ground and excavations at many sites along its route. This resultant book, with many aerial and ground photographs, remains the standard work of reference.
Good condition; academic institution label with cancellation stamp to endpaper; taped repair to rear hinge (using archival tape).
