Britain AD (2004)

Britain AD: The Invasion That Never Was

Britain AD: The Invasion That Never Was



According to received wisdom, native British culture was suppressed by 400 years of Roman rule, and then the withdrawal of the mighty imperial army in 410AD threw the country into a state of primitive barbarism, which only came to an end with the invasion of the more advanced Anglo-Saxons.



In the last episode of the series Francis focuses his attention on the Anglo-Saxon invasion. He argues that the huge political changes that took place in Britain at the time were caused by a shifting of allegiances within the country rather than a violent invasion from elsewhere.



Source: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/200610/programs/ZY7639A0...

A series of three one hour programmes, presented by leading archaeologist and sheep-farmer Francis Pryo, re-examine Britain A.D, the Arthurian myth, the British national character and the mysterious period of British history known as 'The Dark Ages'.



Finding new and previously unexplained evidence Francis Pryor overturns the idea that Britain was crushed under Roman rule, then reverted to a state of anarchy and disorder after the Romans left in 410 AD. Instead of doom and gloom Francis discovers a continuous culture that assimilated influences from as far a field as the Middle East and Constantinople. Francis is confronted by evidence that confounds traditional views of Britain as a powerless bunch or warring barbarian tribes. Nor was there the invasion of bloodthirsty Anglo Saxons, rampaging across the countryside, which our school books have always depicted. With new archaeological evidence Francis discovers a far more interesting and complex story, one that puts the continuing energy of the Ancient Britons at the core.



A Diverse Production Ltd Production

Channel Four

2004

3x60min

Executive Producer: Roy Ackerman

Series Producer/Director: Timothy Copestake

Presenter: Francis Pryor

Source: http://www.diverse.tv/programme/Britain-AD-King-Arthurs-Brit...