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0:00:14 > 0:00:16- From Celtic Britain to Hollywood...
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- ..the sword has represented - strength, justice...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- ..and the constant battle - against evil.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- It's an enchanting weapon, - yet lethal.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- It's often turned history - into one, large, heroic adventure.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- 888
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- Here I am, as Twm Sion Cati, - in the TV series Hawkmoor.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- I often fought to save my life. - So, I know a lot about weapons.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- A man fastens his coat - from left to right...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- ..leaving his right hand free - to unsheathe his sword.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- We shake hands to show - that we're unarmed.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- The length of two swords separate - the parties in the House of Commons.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- This gentlemen escorts a lady - on his right...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- ..with his sword on the left.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- With the tip of a sword, - a man becomes a knight.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- By breaking his sword, - he brings disgrace upon himself.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- Whole armies surrender - by handing a sword to the enemy.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30- In the olden days...
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- ..swords were sacrificed - to the goddesses of the deep.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- Compared to an animal, - man is a weak and fragile creature.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- From the earliest days, we had - to make weapons for hunting...
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- ..and defending ourselves - from our enemies.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- The first weapons - were made of flint...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..sharpened by bones - or a deer's horns.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- Gold was the first metal, - but only the Royal Family owned it.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- When copper was discovered - 6,000 years ago...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..it proved to be a great metal - to make implements and weapons.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- These copper mines, - in the Great Orme at Llandudno...
0:02:39 > 0:02:45- ..were one of the largest industrial - centres of the ancient world.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- Copper mining was part - of the first industrial revolution.
0:02:50 > 0:02:57- Most of the metal was used - to make helmets, shields and swords.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- The copper sword was the best weapon - but it had its disadvantages.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09- Copper is soft, but mixing copper - with alcan makes bronze.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- Bronze is three times harder - than copper.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- You could do some damage with this.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- If you owned bronze, you owned land.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- Neil Burridge - is a bronze caster from Cornwall.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- I'm working the bellows to keep - the temperature high in the furnace.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- I'm looking forward - to seeing my sword.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- This is one of Wales's - earliest swords...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..dating back around 3,000 years - to the Bronze Age.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- The sword is made of bronze...
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- ..a mixture of copper and tin.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- Originally, - the sword's blade shone brightly.
0:04:13 > 0:04:21- We're looking at some very powerful - and special weaponry...
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- ..from a long, long time ago.
0:04:25 > 0:04:32- On the sword's blade, - which is very similar to a leaf...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- ..we can see how wide the blade is - three-quarters of the way down.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- It was used to attack the left - and right-hand side of the enemy.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- The big moment has arrived - in Cornwall.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- We're pouring the bronze mixture - into the stone mould.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- It solidifies in an instant.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- It could be the foundation of - Arthur's sword in the stone story.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17- My sword.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- Part of the secret process - is allowing the blade to cool...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- ..in the lake.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- About 1,000 BC, - during the Bronze Age...
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- ..a minority of society wore gold...
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- ..to decorate their clothes - and illustrate their importance.
0:05:48 > 0:05:56- Some members of society carried - and wore weapons of a new form.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- The large number of weapons, - including swords...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- ..which have been found - from this era...
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- ..illustrate how many battles were - fought - a warning for us today.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- There were extreme - weather conditions at the time.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- The landscape was changing.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- The highlands were too wet - to sow wheat seeds in spring.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- There were floods - on the valley lowlands.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- People fought for land.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- In contrast - to an arrow or a spear...
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- ..the sword is a weapon you use - close to your body.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- That's what makes it so special, - so personal...
0:06:45 > 0:06:46- ..and so dreadful.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Perseus killed Medusa - in the famous Greek tale.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- The battle between good and evil...
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- ..was a popular theme - in Greek and Celtic tales.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- It's an example of the sword - in the classics.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- The Celts were farmers - and craftsmen...
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- ..but they were also ready - to pick up their swords...
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- ..to defend their land.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- The Greeks had a different - attitude towards fighting.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- Every Greek man was trained and - registered for military service.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- The sword was part - of a professional army's...
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- ..sophisticated military system.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- In Britain, - the Celts attacked as one troop...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- ..but fought as individuals.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- The Celts would overcome their enemy - by rushing them...
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- ..as one large, brave, crazed troop.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- But problems persisted.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Bronze was stronger than copper...
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- ..but it would lose its shape - during battle.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Hurry up, son.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- When iron was discovered - in Turkey 3,500 years ago...
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- ..a strong material - for making swords had been found.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- The information reached these shores - hundreds of years later.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- Amongst the vast collection - found at Llyn Fawr, Rhigos...
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- ..is one piece in particular.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55- It's part of a sword - which dates back to 700 BC...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- ..2,700 years ago.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- It reflects a huge change - in the prehistoric age.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08- We're moving from an era - of using only bronze...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- ..to an era - where we use bronze and iron.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Iron is harder.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Iron creates a sharper edge - for a blade.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- This was more dangerous - and effective...
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- ..than the old-fashioned weapons - made of bronze.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- One of the greatest questions - posed by archaeologists is...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- ..was this made originally - in the Rhondda...
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- ..or was it a gift for someone - here in south east Wales...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- ..from someone who had come - all the way from the continent...
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- ..probably from Burgundy in France?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- The maker of the sword - was also important.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Under the influence of the stars...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..the blacksmith could transfer - nature's power to the sword.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- Since the blacksmith - could create a deadly weapon...
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- ..people believed - he had the powers of a wizard.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- The blacksmith's knowledge - was kept a secret.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- Like the druid, the blacksmith - also tried to control nature.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- These weapons, - from Llyn Cerrig Bach on Anglesey...
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- ..take us back 2,000 years - to the Druids.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- In this vast collection...
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- ..there are over a dozen swords.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Almost all have been bent.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- Here's a sword - we've made from scratch.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Imagine the power and energy - that was needed...
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- ..to bend a strong iron blade.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- How did this happen?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- One possible explanation...
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- ..was that the Romans, - as they attacked Anglesey...
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- ..the centre for the Druids - and holy land...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- ..the Celtic natives needed - as much help as they could muster.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- They needed to call - upon the energy of the goddess...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..who lived in the holy lake.
0:11:26 > 0:11:32- The Celts of Anglesey sacrificed - their treasures in the lake.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- In a symbolic gesture, - they killed the objects...
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- ..they used in their world - as weapons...
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- ..before giving them as gifts - to the deep water.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- One civilization profited from - understanding the strength of iron.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- The Romans developed ideas - and technology to such an extent...
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- ..it allowed them to control - the known world for centuries.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11- From 500 BC onwards, the Roman - Empire claimed the upper hand...
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- ..from the Greeks in the east.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- They would train with wooden swords, - as the gladiators used to do.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- This is a rare piece of footage...
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- ..one of Hollywood's stars - training like a gladiator.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Spartacus - - a motion picture unequalled...
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- ..in the history of film-making, - unlikely ever to be surpassed...
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- ..in the magnitude of production - in the passion of its conflict.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Starring Kirk Douglas as Spartacus.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Slave, gladiator, - invincible fighter.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- The gladiator - has always attracted an audience.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- They were trained better - than the common soldier.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- Some of their training methods - were used by the army.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- They were swordsmen - - the origin of the world gladiator.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- They fought to satisfy a crowd's - lust for bloody entertainment.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- Women also fought. Let's have - a lesson from the experts.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- If she attacks, - she's going to do a No.1 attack...
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- ..which you block perfectly...
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- ..a No.2 attack towards - your upper shoulder, that's fine...
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- ..a No.3 attack, - which you block perfectly...
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- ..a No.4 attack, - which is your upper thigh...
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- ..bring it across - and block it nicely...
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- ..and a No.5 - which is to bring it down there.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- There is a No.6 - which is a thrusting blow.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- It can be thrust up - towards your face.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- OK, Mandy, attack shot one. Two.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55- Three. Don't worry, recover it. - Five. Good reactions.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Russell Crowe - was lucky to get that part!
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Aaaargh!
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- Join us after the break.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13- .
0:14:16 > 0:14:16- 888
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- 888- - 888
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- Emperor Claudius - invaded Britain in 43 BC.
0:14:25 > 0:14:32- Despite his huge army, the Celts - would not be defeated for 20 years.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- The evidence in terms - of how they fought...
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- ..only comes from the Romans.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- The Romans wrote reports - from the battles.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- They talk about the wild natives - who enjoyed fighting.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- The spirit of the Celts - still inspires us.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- Matthew Rhys has a keen interest - in ancient history.
0:15:06 > 0:15:12- The Celts would always attack - by running with their arms aloft.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- They weren't scared of dying.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- They knew - there was life after death.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- Always, when they attacked...
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- ..the sword was held - above their heads when they ran.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- They were exposed to the Romans.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- The Celts used a selection - of different weapons in battle.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- The Romans had one standard sword - - the gladius.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- The gladius in the hands - of the disciplined Roman soldiers...
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- ..was the eventual victor.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32- It is said that the native Celts - were very brave.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- That's very important - if you attack and defeat someone.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- You want to show - how brave your enemy was.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- Some of the men battled like heroes.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- It was important for the Romans - to report on their battles.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- These reports were used - as propaganda.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- Britain was ruled by the Romans - for 350 years.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- They were defeated by a simple - yet revolutionary device...
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- ..a device that influenced the sword - as a weapon and its use in battle.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- It was all to do with this animal.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- The Romans didn't use stirrups...
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- ..but when they were defeated - by Eastern European tribes...
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- ..who used stirrups - and long swords...
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- ..they changed their strategy.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- Roman horse riders - used the same equipment.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- By the fifth century...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..they left Britain - to defend the Empire in the east.
0:17:49 > 0:17:55- The Saxons and the Vikings followed - them and attacked the Celts.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- The nodule on top of the handle - gave you balance.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- You could also use it as a club.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- The Vikings admired the sword - more than any other weapon.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- They named them - - the most fierce was called Gramr...
0:18:13 > 0:18:19- ..Meofainn for the finest - and Fotbitr for the leg-biter.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- I've asked my friend Magnus - from Norway to set up a test.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- I want to see how weapons have - developed since the Bronze Age...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- ..by comparing two historic swords.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- First, the bronze sword.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- That made quite a mess.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Now, we'll look at the Viking sword.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- A clear winner.
0:18:56 > 0:19:02- The Viking sword was made - out of soft iron blended with steel.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- A strong, flexible sword.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- To withstand the early attackers, - who better than King Arthur?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- He was one of our greatest heroes.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- With his sword, Excalibur, - he's a powerful symbol...
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- ..a Christian challenging a pagan.
0:19:24 > 0:19:30- By mixing history and legend, - you create something very special.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- Add some metal to the mixture...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- ..to create one of the most - magical aspects of Arthur's story.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- That particular aspect - is Excalibur...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- ..the most famous sword of all.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- In the Welsh tradition, the first - record we have of Excalibur...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- ..is in the story - of Culhwch and Olwen.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Culhwch visits the court - of King Arthur.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- He asks Arthur for help - a gift.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07- Arthur says he can have anything - except for Prydwen, Arthur's ship...
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- ..Rhongomynyad, his spear, - Carnwennan, his knife...
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- ..Wynebgwrthucher, his shield - and Excalibur, his sword.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- Oh, and Gwenhwyfar, his wife.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- Excalibur appears - in more than one tale.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Rhonabwy returns to the - Arthurian world and finds Arthur...
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- ..and we have a description - of Arthur's magnificent sword.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Flames are seen on the blade.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- In the 12th century...
0:20:43 > 0:20:49- ..Geoffrey of Monmouth recorded - the history of Britain's kings.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- It was a very popular book.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- In the Latin language, Arthur's - Welsh legend spread across Europe.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- There's a close connection - between the sword and King Arthur.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Most of us have heard - of Excalibur...
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- ..but two swords - belong to Arthur's story.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- We hear about - the sword in the stone.
0:21:11 > 0:21:18- Only the true king of these shores - can remove the sword from the stone.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- In some versions, - the sword in the stone breaks...
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- ..during a battle involving - a Welsh knight called Pellinor.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Arthur was then led by Merlin - to a new, magical sword...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- ..given to him - by the Lady of the Lake.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50- No-one has made better use of the - sword in Welsh than T Gwynn Jones.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- His famous ode, Ymadawiad Arthur...
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- ..concentrates entirely - on the moment...
0:21:57 > 0:22:04- ..in his great story when he forces - Bedwyr, his most trusted follower...
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- ..to throw the sword into the lake.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- It's heartbreaking for Bedwyr.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- He fears for the repercussions.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- They're about to lose - Arthur's presence.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- He is heading for Afallon.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- What would happen - if they lost the sword, too?
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- This is the enchanting - aspect of the poem.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- Bedwyr, who represents us, - doesn't keep the magical sword.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37- The saving grace for us is the - belief that Arthur will return...
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- ..with the possibility - of a new dawn for Wales.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- By throwing the sword - into the lake...
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- ..a spiritual sword becomes - the wilful weapon of a nation.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- We will fight a spiritual - and cultural battle.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- As a heroic figure...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- ..Arthur is similar to nature.
0:22:59 > 0:23:05- Fickle, changeable, - yet he lives on for some people.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- From Caernarfon to California, - Arthur's story continues to grow...
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- ..and makes money.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- Welsh film star Ioan Gruffudd - is part of the legend now.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- As a Welshman, and a Welsh nation...
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- ..we claim the Arthurian legend - as part of our heritage.
0:23:29 > 0:23:35- It was a great experience playing - the part of Lancelot in a film.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41- I was Arthur's friend and prince.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- I also saw Arthur - removing Excalibur from the stone.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- The depiction of Lancelot - in our version of King Arthur...
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- ..is the man with two swords - on his back.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02- It was a very clear characteristic - of the character.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- He was very passionate...
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- ..and a character - who loved bloodshed.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- For Lancelot and Arthur, the sword - is an important aspect of the story.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- A hero for all ages.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- A Christ-like figure.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- A symbol representing - the ideals of chivalry.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Whatever the meaning...
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- ..the legend leads us - to search for higher ideals.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- With Excalibur in our hand...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- ..we might be able - to realize our dreams.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:24:59 > 0:24:59- .