Dr Alan Montgomery
@classicalalan.bsky.social
Historian, artist, tour guide and FSAScot. A lover of legend and folklore.
Buy my art and my books here: https://linktr.ee/classicalalan
Buy my art and my books here: https://linktr.ee/classicalalan
Pinned
There are loads of Roman forts in my books 'Walking the Antonine Wall' and 'The Road to Mons Graupius' - from Trimontium near Melrose in the south to Stracathro, the most northerly Roman fort in the world, and lots more in between! #RomanFortThursday
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
A heavy fall of snow at Vindolanda fort a few years back, a moment of almost complete silence on site apart from the soft patter of snowflakes which drew my imagination into the past. #hadrianswall #archaeology #northumberland
December 26, 2025 at 12:39 PM
A heavy fall of snow at Vindolanda fort a few years back, a moment of almost complete silence on site apart from the soft patter of snowflakes which drew my imagination into the past. #hadrianswall #archaeology #northumberland
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
From the archives. Pointing west on a frosty morning. #fingerpostfriday #hadrianswall #followtheacorn
December 26, 2025 at 11:29 AM
From the archives. Pointing west on a frosty morning. #fingerpostfriday #hadrianswall #followtheacorn
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Barbican Gate, Sandwich, Kent. Also known as Davis Gate, this 14th century structure stands on the former city quay of the medieval Cinque Port. The round towers flanking the gateway have early keyhole gun ports.
#ArchitecturalIllustration
#pencil #drawing
#ArtYear
#ArchitecturalIllustration
#pencil #drawing
#ArtYear
December 23, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Barbican Gate, Sandwich, Kent. Also known as Davis Gate, this 14th century structure stands on the former city quay of the medieval Cinque Port. The round towers flanking the gateway have early keyhole gun ports.
#ArchitecturalIllustration
#pencil #drawing
#ArtYear
#ArchitecturalIllustration
#pencil #drawing
#ArtYear
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Some beautiful fragments of early stained glass at Ely Cathedral for #MedievalMonday.
December 22, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Some beautiful fragments of early stained glass at Ely Cathedral for #MedievalMonday.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
As we approach Christmas, for this #MosaicMonday I'm sharing one of my favourite decorative mosaics. From Combe St Nicholas and sadly no longer surviving. Hand-coloured engraving from Samuel Lysons, Reliquiae Britannico-Romanae I.IV (1813-1817), pl. VIII.
AncientBlueSky 🏺
AncientBlueSky 🏺
December 22, 2025 at 8:58 AM
As we approach Christmas, for this #MosaicMonday I'm sharing one of my favourite decorative mosaics. From Combe St Nicholas and sadly no longer surviving. Hand-coloured engraving from Samuel Lysons, Reliquiae Britannico-Romanae I.IV (1813-1817), pl. VIII.
AncientBlueSky 🏺
AncientBlueSky 🏺
Some beautiful fragments of early stained glass at Ely Cathedral for #MedievalMonday.
December 22, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Some beautiful fragments of early stained glass at Ely Cathedral for #MedievalMonday.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
La Roche Longue in Quintin (Côtes-d’Armor) is a 7m tall needle-like granite menhir. It was said that fairies and nains used to dance around it and that the menhir itself sometimes danced when midnight sounded. #StandingStoneSunday.
December 21, 2025 at 9:13 AM
La Roche Longue in Quintin (Côtes-d’Armor) is a 7m tall needle-like granite menhir. It was said that fairies and nains used to dance around it and that the menhir itself sometimes danced when midnight sounded. #StandingStoneSunday.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Stop!
I know what you’re thinking!
You need that final stocking filler for a history-loving loved one! Something under £15, small, perfectly shaped for wrapping, easily & quickly available from (all good) high street shops or online!
I’ve got your back…
#Echolands - A Journey in Search of Boudica
I know what you’re thinking!
You need that final stocking filler for a history-loving loved one! Something under £15, small, perfectly shaped for wrapping, easily & quickly available from (all good) high street shops or online!
I’ve got your back…
#Echolands - A Journey in Search of Boudica
December 21, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Stop!
I know what you’re thinking!
You need that final stocking filler for a history-loving loved one! Something under £15, small, perfectly shaped for wrapping, easily & quickly available from (all good) high street shops or online!
I’ve got your back…
#Echolands - A Journey in Search of Boudica
I know what you’re thinking!
You need that final stocking filler for a history-loving loved one! Something under £15, small, perfectly shaped for wrapping, easily & quickly available from (all good) high street shops or online!
I’ve got your back…
#Echolands - A Journey in Search of Boudica
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Possibly the most sublime Roman fresco of a temple.
The architectural detail of the spiky-topped wooden barrier, the painted relief in the pediment, & the offerings burning on the altar; it’s a symphony of observations.
Archaeological Museum of Capri (no provenance)
#FrescoFriday
The architectural detail of the spiky-topped wooden barrier, the painted relief in the pediment, & the offerings burning on the altar; it’s a symphony of observations.
Archaeological Museum of Capri (no provenance)
#FrescoFriday
December 19, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Possibly the most sublime Roman fresco of a temple.
The architectural detail of the spiky-topped wooden barrier, the painted relief in the pediment, & the offerings burning on the altar; it’s a symphony of observations.
Archaeological Museum of Capri (no provenance)
#FrescoFriday
The architectural detail of the spiky-topped wooden barrier, the painted relief in the pediment, & the offerings burning on the altar; it’s a symphony of observations.
Archaeological Museum of Capri (no provenance)
#FrescoFriday
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
☠️ I'm in a 1,500-year-old graveyard at Govan Old to tell you about ⤵️
A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY!
It's written by me, Dr Tom Horne, and brought to you on Substack by History Hit.
Out 2x a week, on Mondays and Fridays, it showcases the most interesting #history and #archaeology from around the globe.
A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY!
It's written by me, Dr Tom Horne, and brought to you on Substack by History Hit.
Out 2x a week, on Mondays and Fridays, it showcases the most interesting #history and #archaeology from around the globe.
December 20, 2025 at 9:26 PM
☠️ I'm in a 1,500-year-old graveyard at Govan Old to tell you about ⤵️
A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY!
It's written by me, Dr Tom Horne, and brought to you on Substack by History Hit.
Out 2x a week, on Mondays and Fridays, it showcases the most interesting #history and #archaeology from around the globe.
A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY!
It's written by me, Dr Tom Horne, and brought to you on Substack by History Hit.
Out 2x a week, on Mondays and Fridays, it showcases the most interesting #history and #archaeology from around the globe.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of a Roman temple and its structure includes much recycled Roman building material. One staircase includes this chunk of ancient tile which features the prints of a Roman hobnail boot (my own foot for scale) #RomanSiteSaturday @colmuseums.bsky.social
December 20, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of a Roman temple and its structure includes much recycled Roman building material. One staircase includes this chunk of ancient tile which features the prints of a Roman hobnail boot (my own foot for scale) #RomanSiteSaturday @colmuseums.bsky.social
Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of a Roman temple and its structure includes much recycled Roman building material. One staircase includes this chunk of ancient tile which features the prints of a Roman hobnail boot (my own foot for scale) #RomanSiteSaturday @colmuseums.bsky.social
December 20, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of a Roman temple and its structure includes much recycled Roman building material. One staircase includes this chunk of ancient tile which features the prints of a Roman hobnail boot (my own foot for scale) #RomanSiteSaturday @colmuseums.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Something a bit different for #FindsFriday - this is a lock of hair that once belonged to a Roman woman. She was buried at Poundbury in Dorset and her body was packed in gypsum, which preserved her carefully plaited locks. Now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social.
December 19, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Something a bit different for #FindsFriday - this is a lock of hair that once belonged to a Roman woman. She was buried at Poundbury in Dorset and her body was packed in gypsum, which preserved her carefully plaited locks. Now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Ahead of Christmas, it feels fitting to share this Roman fibula - a decorative pin once used to fasten garments - shaped like a stag.
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
December 19, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Ahead of Christmas, it feels fitting to share this Roman fibula - a decorative pin once used to fasten garments - shaped like a stag.
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
In my Christmas-influenced imagination, it looks rather reindeerish! 🎄
Is it Dasher, Dancer, or maybe Rudolph? 🎅
From the Roman Villa at Borg, 2nd c. AD
📷Villa Borg
Something a bit different for #FindsFriday - this is a lock of hair that once belonged to a Roman woman. She was buried at Poundbury in Dorset and her body was packed in gypsum, which preserved her carefully plaited locks. Now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social.
December 19, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Something a bit different for #FindsFriday - this is a lock of hair that once belonged to a Roman woman. She was buried at Poundbury in Dorset and her body was packed in gypsum, which preserved her carefully plaited locks. Now in @dorsetmuseum.bsky.social.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
This model of Roman London was made in 1928-33 by Anthony G Lowther and is now in the crypt of All Hallows-by-the-Tower. Although our understanding of the ancient city has changed since its creation, it does show the correct locations of the fort (1), basilica (3) and bridge (6). #RomanFortThursday
December 18, 2025 at 8:27 AM
This model of Roman London was made in 1928-33 by Anthony G Lowther and is now in the crypt of All Hallows-by-the-Tower. Although our understanding of the ancient city has changed since its creation, it does show the correct locations of the fort (1), basilica (3) and bridge (6). #RomanFortThursday
This model of Roman London was made in 1928-33 by Anthony G Lowther and is now in the crypt of All Hallows-by-the-Tower. Although our understanding of the ancient city has changed since its creation, it does show the correct locations of the fort (1), basilica (3) and bridge (6). #RomanFortThursday
December 18, 2025 at 8:27 AM
This model of Roman London was made in 1928-33 by Anthony G Lowther and is now in the crypt of All Hallows-by-the-Tower. Although our understanding of the ancient city has changed since its creation, it does show the correct locations of the fort (1), basilica (3) and bridge (6). #RomanFortThursday
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Currently reading:
The Road To Mons Graupius
A Journey
Through Roman Scotland
by Alan Montgomery
AD 77-8
The Roman General Agricola
- father in law of Tacitus -
attempted to subdue the north of
the province of Britannia
ending with his greatest battle
#books
#history
#Scotland
#RomanEmpire
The Road To Mons Graupius
A Journey
Through Roman Scotland
by Alan Montgomery
AD 77-8
The Roman General Agricola
- father in law of Tacitus -
attempted to subdue the north of
the province of Britannia
ending with his greatest battle
#books
#history
#Scotland
#RomanEmpire
December 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Currently reading:
The Road To Mons Graupius
A Journey
Through Roman Scotland
by Alan Montgomery
AD 77-8
The Roman General Agricola
- father in law of Tacitus -
attempted to subdue the north of
the province of Britannia
ending with his greatest battle
#books
#history
#Scotland
#RomanEmpire
The Road To Mons Graupius
A Journey
Through Roman Scotland
by Alan Montgomery
AD 77-8
The Roman General Agricola
- father in law of Tacitus -
attempted to subdue the north of
the province of Britannia
ending with his greatest battle
#books
#history
#Scotland
#RomanEmpire
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
This spooky carved relief of Ankou, the Breton personification of death, can found on the ossuary of the church of St Yves in La Roche-Maurice. He holds an arrow and a banner that reads 'JE VOUS TUE TOUS' (I kill you all). #ReliefWednesday
December 17, 2025 at 8:31 AM
This spooky carved relief of Ankou, the Breton personification of death, can found on the ossuary of the church of St Yves in La Roche-Maurice. He holds an arrow and a banner that reads 'JE VOUS TUE TOUS' (I kill you all). #ReliefWednesday
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
I thought I'l long sold out of my lino print they're calling KRAMPUS MUST BE APPEASED!!!, but it turns out I still have a good ten copies in the haunted cupboard. I've just made them available in the shoppe...
🔥 slipperyjack.bigcartel.com
🔥 slipperyjack.bigcartel.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:38 PM
I thought I'l long sold out of my lino print they're calling KRAMPUS MUST BE APPEASED!!!, but it turns out I still have a good ten copies in the haunted cupboard. I've just made them available in the shoppe...
🔥 slipperyjack.bigcartel.com
🔥 slipperyjack.bigcartel.com
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
A Goniatite fossil, suspended in a shoreworn stone under a reflected winter sky.
County Clare, Ireland.
County Clare, Ireland.
December 17, 2025 at 9:13 AM
A Goniatite fossil, suspended in a shoreworn stone under a reflected winter sky.
County Clare, Ireland.
County Clare, Ireland.
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
It's beginning to look a lot like #HillfortsWednesday 🥳
Here's a glorious aerial photo of the spectacular unfinished 3.5ha Iron Age hillfort of Ladle Hill in #Hampshire 😍
✈️ 📷 © Ginny Pringle for the Hampshire Cultural Trust
For more see:
hampshirearchaeology.wordpress.com/2015/11/23/b...
Here's a glorious aerial photo of the spectacular unfinished 3.5ha Iron Age hillfort of Ladle Hill in #Hampshire 😍
✈️ 📷 © Ginny Pringle for the Hampshire Cultural Trust
For more see:
hampshirearchaeology.wordpress.com/2015/11/23/b...
December 17, 2025 at 7:31 AM
It's beginning to look a lot like #HillfortsWednesday 🥳
Here's a glorious aerial photo of the spectacular unfinished 3.5ha Iron Age hillfort of Ladle Hill in #Hampshire 😍
✈️ 📷 © Ginny Pringle for the Hampshire Cultural Trust
For more see:
hampshirearchaeology.wordpress.com/2015/11/23/b...
Here's a glorious aerial photo of the spectacular unfinished 3.5ha Iron Age hillfort of Ladle Hill in #Hampshire 😍
✈️ 📷 © Ginny Pringle for the Hampshire Cultural Trust
For more see:
hampshirearchaeology.wordpress.com/2015/11/23/b...
This spooky carved relief of Ankou, the Breton personification of death, can found on the ossuary of the church of St Yves in La Roche-Maurice. He holds an arrow and a banner that reads 'JE VOUS TUE TOUS' (I kill you all). #ReliefWednesday
December 17, 2025 at 8:31 AM
This spooky carved relief of Ankou, the Breton personification of death, can found on the ossuary of the church of St Yves in La Roche-Maurice. He holds an arrow and a banner that reads 'JE VOUS TUE TOUS' (I kill you all). #ReliefWednesday
Reposted by Dr Alan Montgomery
Inside the mother of all Neolithic tombs ... Newgrange in Ireland. This photo, from excavator Michael O'Kelly's book, shows the chamber (with spiral carving) that is illuminated via the famous roofbox opening at winter solstice. A 5,200-yr-old celebration of the return of the sun. #TombTuesday
December 16, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Inside the mother of all Neolithic tombs ... Newgrange in Ireland. This photo, from excavator Michael O'Kelly's book, shows the chamber (with spiral carving) that is illuminated via the famous roofbox opening at winter solstice. A 5,200-yr-old celebration of the return of the sun. #TombTuesday