A History of Celtic Britain
Season 1
In four chapters, largely based on and illustrated with archaeological finds and sites, Neil Oliver explains how, as far as is known, the Iron Age Celtic tribes known as the Ancient Britains evolved and entered European civilization. Their internecine tribal phase was warlike and partitioned. Overseas contacts, especially metal trade, brought wealth and progress. Ultimately, it attracted the superior Roman empire, which would conquer and pacify Britain into a province, like Gaul shortly before, but Caesar's invasion wasn't the definitive annexation yet, that was left to emperor Claudius; even afterward some Celtic traits and even rebellions remained.
Where to Watch A History of Celtic Britain • Season 1
4 Episodes
- Age of IronE1
Age of IronThe Bronze Age, with monuments testifying to a glorious rich elite, declined quite rapidly once iron was around, stronger and more practical. Yet iron would only become common, more then bronze ever was, a few centuries later, perhaps due to climate stress. Whereas painstakingly produced bronze was a reference in its own right, beyond practical and cult use, to express wealth as well as obtain it, the easier, hence 'cheap' iron technology would 'only' enable a revolution in real agricultural productivity, allowing major population growth and spatial division, for the first time carving out single family-homes and plots as in historical times. - Age of InvasionE3
Age of InvasionFor about a century, Iron Age Brittons enjoyed wealth from metal trade and some Roman civilization they could buy with it. Soon after Julius Caesar conquered all of Gaul (present France, Benelux and Switserland), he invaded Britain over the Channel, invited by one the bitterly waring southern tribes. Soon all were smashed or had chosen his side, but he militarily retreated, content to have made them satellite vassals. Emperor Claudius would later invade again and turn England, soon plus Wales, into (a) province(s), a major prize in terms of mineral wealth, mainly minerals. This times roads and fortifications laid the groundwork for lasting imperial rule. Hadrian's and Antonine's Walls physically cut off the warlike, indomitable Picts of anyway near-worthless Caledonia. - Age of Romans
E4Age of RomansOnce the Celtic tribes were fully subdued and pacified militarily, the Roman rule brought a highly superior culture and technology, ranging from culinary to public works. Urban centers, forts and villas fully shared in those, but the rural majority remained largely unaffected except for stable administration and long-term unification on a national scale as province(s) within the intercontinental empire.
