It is arguable that Rome's success was largely due to its unparalleled expertise with iron which enabled the production of all manner of domestic, utilitarian and military artefacts. This detailed study of the Roman iron industry, focusing primarily on Britain, uses both archaeological evidence and experimental work to highlight the enormous investment of time, labour and skill required in the production process. Sim outines the various stages in the production process from prospecting and mining, to the preparation of the ore, fuel, smelting, and the production of artefacts, looking especially at those associated with the military: shield bosses, swords, arrows, chain mail, nails and so forth. This is a fully revised and updated edition of the author's previous co-authored Iron for the Eagles.

Dr David Sim taught ancient technology to the departments of Engineering and Archaeology at the University of Reading where he holds a visiting research fellowship. He is widely published on the subject of Roman metallurgy and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He has carried out research in Germany and Pompeii as well as at several sites in the UK. He is also a working blacksmith!