0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:05 > 0:00:06- The Romans.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- They came to Britain, conquered - the country and ruled for centuries.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- Why did they decide - to come here in the first place?
0:00:17 > 0:00:23- How did they conquer the natives - despite their fierce opposition?
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- # You don't remember Macsen...
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- It's sometimes difficult - to understand ancient history.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- # Sixteen hundred years
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- # Is too long to remember... #
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- In this series, we'll travel - back across the centuries...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- ..to get to know the Romans - who ruled Wales.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- From the first ruler, - ten years after Christ's death...
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- ..to the final ruler - who left centuries later.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- # Magnus Maximus left Wales - in the year 383... #
0:00:56 > 0:01:02- Yes, Magnus Maximus, or - Macsen Wledig, left Wales in 383.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- He and his like had ruled - the country for the Romans...
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- ..for over 300 years.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Who were they? Why was - this country so important to them?
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- For us today, - what exactly is the Roman heritage?
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- I'm Rhun ap Iorwerth.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- As a journalist - and political correspondent...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- ..I've asked our modern-day rulers - many times about their work.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- On this journey, - our history is most important.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- To understand our own lives...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- ..we have to understand - the lives of our forefathers.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- People who were trampled.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- I'll be journeying back to the - first centuries of our history...
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- ..when our country - was governed by Rome.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- I'll be visiting sites - in England and Wales.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- Some are well known...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- ..whilst others are only known - by a handful of people.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Using the latest - graphic techniques...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..I'm hoping to see - the new Britain the Romans built.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12- With the help of people who enjoy - recreating Roman battles...
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- ..we'll feel the excitement and - horror of their military strength.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- By combining this with - the latest work of archaeologists...
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- ..and articles - written centuries ago...
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- ..I hope to show you the Romans - in a way you've never seen before.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- This is a full account - of what happened before...
0:02:36 > 0:02:37- ..during...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..and after the Roman invasion - of Britain.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Invasion
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- For centuries, Wales was - in the hands of foreigners.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- They brought their military might - with them...
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- ..to tax the people - and plunder the land.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- They stayed for centuries - and left their mark on the country.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14- Evidence of the Roman Invasion - can be seen everywhere across Wales.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Roman roads, - forts from Segontium to Caerleon...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ..and the towns they established - from Holyhead to Carmarthen.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- They even influenced our language.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- Pont - a Latin word - which is still used today.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- Without the Romans, - our past would be very different.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- The story begins ten years - after Christ's death...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- ..in the year 43 AD.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- As the cold winter ended, - eagle eyes from distant countries...
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- ..were focused - on the island of Britain.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- Across the sea, - on the northern shores of France...
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- ..a huge fleet had gathered - - more than 800 ships.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- About 40,000 soldiers - prepared for the invasion.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- They had come - from all parts of the Roman Empire.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- This huge army gathered in France...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..on the instructions of the world's - most powerful man - Claudius I...
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- ..Rome's emperor.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- He hadn't been the emperor for long.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- His grip on power was rather weak.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30- Invading Britain was part of his - strategy to strengthen his power...
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- ..and make sure - that he would not be killed.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- Claudius was a worried man.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- He was disabled. Some people thought - he was nothing more than a fool.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- He clung on to power because - he had Julius Caesar's blood...
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- ..coursing through his veins.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- There were plenty of people - after that blood.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- Conquering Britain, something - Julius Caesar had failed to do...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- ..would strengthen his grip - on power...
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- ..and save him from his enemies...
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- ..who were already - sharpening their knives.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- Throughout the history - of the Roman Empire...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..daring leaders - conquered new lands...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- ..and earned the respect - of the citizens.
0:05:18 > 0:05:24- Claudius knew that capturing Britain - would earn him plenty of praise.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- He would succeed where his - predecessor, Julius Caesar, failed.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Rome would occupy a strip of land...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- ..which could turn out to be - very valuable.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- The Romans wanted to conquer - more and more countries.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Over the preceding 300 years...
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- ..their empire had grown and grown.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- It stretched all the way - from the coast of Northern Africa...
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- ..to the coast of Northern France.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- From Portugal in the west - to Palestine in the east.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- This was the largest empire - the world had ever seen.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- To make sure he remained - its powerful leader...
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- ..Claudius wanted to conquer - new lands.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- He wanted to conquer - this mysterious island...
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- ..on the northern boundary - of the empire.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- Britain had exported goods - to the continent for many years.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- The mines of the Great Orme - were an important source of copper.
0:06:28 > 0:06:34- Many Brythonic tribes already - traded with the Roman Empire.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- The Romans knew the economic - benefits of conquering the country.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- The Romans knew that Britain had - an abundance of natural resources.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- Wood, lead and silver - could be found...
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- ..in these - Carmarthenshire mountains...
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- ..along with the most - valuable resource - gold.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- Britain also had an abundance of - another valuable resource - people.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- A fresh stock of slaves - for the empire.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Another factor - attracted the Romans to this island.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- British people weren't united.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- On the eve of the Roman Invasion...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- ..Britain wasn't a united state - in any shape or form.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- There was a collection of tribes...
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- ..some opposing others, some - working in harmony with others.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- The most developed - would have their own coinage...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- ..and made their pottery - using wheels.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- These were people from the Iron Age.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- They also had a strong - military sense.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- They lived for fighting - and enjoyed fighting.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- Tribes had fought across the ages.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- They were a society of soldiers.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- The people were divided - in many ways...
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- ..but one common factor united them.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- The language which was spoken - in Wales, England...
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- ..and the south of Scotland - up to the River Clyde...
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- ..Brythonic was the language spoken - by all these people.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- When the Romans invaded...
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- ..this was the language they faced.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- It was a Celtic language...
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- ..but in the same way - as there are differences...
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- ..between north Wales Welsh - and south Wales Welsh...
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- ..there were significant - differences...
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- ..in the Celtic languages - of different tribes...
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- ..but it is thought that they - were able to understand each other.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58- Whatever the language, the tribes - were constantly fighting...
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- ..and the head of every tribe - defended his land stoically.
0:09:02 > 0:09:09- In Wales, we know about the Silures - and Demetae tribes in south Wales...
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- ..and the Deceangli and Ordovices - tribes in north Wales.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20- They would exist - as independent tribes.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28- As the invaders prepared - to set sail, hopes were high.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Their plans - had been meticulously prepared.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- The campaign - was led by very talented men.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- Heading the campaign was a general - who'd had many successes in battle.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- His name was Aulus Plautius.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- He knew that Julius Caesar - had failed to conquer Britain...
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- ..during the previous century.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- The Britons were more than able - to defend their territory.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- For the Romans, they were just - a collection of barbarians...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- ..in primitive - and disorganized tribes.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Wild savages against cultured - citizens of the Roman Empire...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..with their sophisticated - military machine.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- If that's how the situation appeared - to a confident man like Plautius...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- ..there is a danger that we have - swallowed the Roman propaganda...
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- ..by peering into history - through Roman eyes.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- There was another side to the story.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- It is a cliche to say - that the history of empires...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..is written from the viewpoint - of the conquerors.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- We have very little from - the viewpoint of the vanquished.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- And no history - was written by the vanquished...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- ..but there is evidence...
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- ..which shows how skilful - the British people actually were.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- The Romans weren't the only ones - who possessed...
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- ..excellent construction skills.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- This is the entrance - to one of a number of buildings...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- ..at Din Lligwy in Anglesey.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- It's as solid as any Roman fort - and is still here 2,000 years later.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- If Aulus Plautius believed - that ferocity...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- ..was the only strength - of the Britons....
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- ..he was making a big mistake.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- He also made another mistake by - ignoring a problem closer to home.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- The soldiers gathering in France - weren't as sure as their leader...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..about the wisdom of these plans.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- There were rumours that they would - refuse to set sail for Britain.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- They hadn't lost confidence - in their leaders...
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- ..and they weren't worried - about the war itself.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- They were superstitious.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- For Romans, Britain was a foreign - and rather frightening country.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- There were stories - of ghosts and devils...
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- ..in the 'ferox provincia' - - the untamable province.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- More than that, and forget about the - lovely blue sea you can see today...
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- ..Britain lay at the other end - of a stretch of water...
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- ..which frightened every Roman - - the Channel.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- It is very difficult for us - to understand how cataclysmically...
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- ..remote and terrifying Britain - seemed to the classical world.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Imagine a civilization in which - the world was a vast rectangle...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..with Rome and the Mediterranean - in the middle.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- Britain is one of those wild, windy - places right out on the edge...
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- ..a little bit like the map of - the world in the Lord of the Rings.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- This is a desolate, - barren, petrifying place.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- You've got a Roman army - made up of thousands of soldiers...
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- ..who essentially come - from the Mediterranean countries...
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- ..mostly Italy, Gaul and Spain.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- They're being asked to step off - the edge of the world...
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- ..to a place they were sure...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..was inhabited - by raving, terrifying barbarians.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- They were going into the unknown.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- It was like going into the wilds - of the remotest parts of Africa.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- Would you go?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- As the big day approached...
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- ..more and more soldiers were - planning to disobey their masters.
0:13:41 > 0:13:48- When the time finally came, a former - slave saved the day for Plautius.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- Claudius had a loyal servant named - Narcissus who he trusted completely.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- Narcissus was a former slave.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- Claudius sent Narcissus - to oversee the preparations for war.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- He discovered the imminent mutiny.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Bravely, he called the thousands - of soldiers together...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- ..and addressed them himself.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- The soldiers were shocked - and rather embarrassed...
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- ..to hear a former slave...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- ..reminding them - of their responsibilities.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- With their fears dispelled...
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- ..they continued with their plans - for invasion.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- As spring turned into summer, - the Roman garrison...
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- ..prepared to set sail for Britain.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37- .
0:14:41 > 0:14:41- 888
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- 888- - 888
0:14:44 > 0:14:51- The Roman Invasion of Britain - began in May 43 AD...
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- ..somewhat later than expected.
0:14:54 > 0:15:01- Aulus Plautius was expecting - fierce opposition at the outset...
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- ..but things worked out - in the Romans' favour.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- In southern Britain...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- ..the country's most powerful tribe, - the Catuvellauni...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- ..had prepared for war for months.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- They were led by Togodumnus, the - king, and his brother, Caratacus...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- ..or Caradog - as he is known to the Welsh.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Before the Roman fleet set sail...
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- ..a messenger arrived with news - of disputes amongst the Romans...
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- ..which could lead to mutiny.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- Togodumnus and Caratacus - thought an invasion was unlikely.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- They sent their soldiers home.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- This error would prove costly - to them.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- It was an unexpected gift - for the invaders.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- They could reach land - without any obstacle in their way.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- The precise spot where the Romans - landed is a topic of debate...
0:16:00 > 0:16:06- ..but many experts suggest that - they landed in the small town...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- ..which I'm heading towards now.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- My destination - is a historic town in Kent.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- To the Romans, it was Rutupiae...
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- ..near the small town - of Richborough.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- The site is now - a few hundred metres from the sea...
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- ..but it was on the coastline - in Roman times.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- These are the ruins - of a large fort...
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- ..built two centuries - after the invasion.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- It is very possible that this - was Aulus Plautius's landing point.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- We can't be sure - where the ships landed...
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- ..but because the Romans - built a port and this fort...
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- ..which included - a decorative arch in the middle...
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- ..there is a strong suggestion - that this is the place.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- The English call this place - Richborough today.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- We're in north-east Kent.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- This was 300 years before - the English first settled here.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- The Britons lived here at the time.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- We can safely say - that this is where the Romans...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..started their campaign - against our forefathers.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- It appears that they met - no opposition when they arrived.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- Why was there no opposition?
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Plautius wasn't sure, - but without wasting any time...
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- ..he started manoeuvring his army - of experienced soldiers...
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- ..further into the country.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- The Romans have a vast army, - an army of full-time soldiers.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- They weren't amateurs.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- They were a well-disciplined army.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- They practised their skill, - if we can call war a skill...
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- ..but to the Romans, it was a skill.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- There were different sections - within the army.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- The soldiers were in legions...
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- ..large units - of around 5,000 soldiers.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- These were large units.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- The soldiers were Roman citizens...
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- ..but they were boosted - by soldiers from conquered lands.
0:18:22 > 0:18:28- They also had soldiers who had - less sophisticated weaponry...
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- ..including soldiers - on foot and on horseback.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- These soldiers came - from all parts of the empire.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- The Romans utilized them - as impact units.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- More often than not, they were - sent out ahead of the legions.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- Plautius and his officers - were expecting attack...
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- ..once their army - marched further into the country.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Once again, there was no opposition.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Of course, - the invaders had been spotted.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- It would have been impossible - for this large army...
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- ..to march across the country - undetected.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- Togodumnus and Caratacus - decided to wait and watch...
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- ..rather than entice - a battle on open land...
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- ..something which would - have suited the Romans.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- The Britons favoured their own, - fierce, guerrilla-type war...
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- ..but something unexpected happened.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- As the Romans ventured deeper - into Britain...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- ..they saw the army - they had expected when they arrived.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- They had set up camp - on the other side of a wide river.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Togodumnus and Caratacus - had retrieved their soldiers...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- ..and were trying to organize them.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- We can't be sure of the - exact location of the river...
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- ..since Roman historian Tacitus - fails to be specific enough.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- The evidence suggests - it was the River Medway...
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- ..a river which flows - 70 miles from deepest Kent...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- ..to its estuary.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- There were no bridges - close to the camp.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- The river was too deep - for anyone to wade across...
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- ..but this didn't mean - they were safe.
0:20:18 > 0:20:25- The Romans had expert swimmers - who could cross these deep rivers.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- These experts didn't come - from the core of the Roman legions.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- They came from The Netherlands.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- They frightened the natives...
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- ..and provided a boost - for the Romans.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- That small battalion - slaughtered the enemies' horses...
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- ..which prevented the Britons - using their chariots.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- Plautius found a shallow stretch - further upriver...
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- ..and crossed to the other side.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- The battle the Britons had tried - to avoid was about to begin.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- We know that this fierce battle - lasted for two whole days.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- The Britons fought like giants...
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- ..but soon, they learnt something - that tribes across Europe...
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- ..had discovered a long time ago.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- There was no point trying to - withstand the might of the Romans.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- The Romans had a great - military advantage over the Britons.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- They were more disciplined, better - trained and had better weaponry.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Take this sword for instance.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- It was carried - by every Roman soldier.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- It was far more effective - in close combat...
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- ..than the wide-bladed swords - carried by the Britons.
0:21:47 > 0:21:53- To defend themselves, every soldier - had a helmet made of iron or bronze.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Their bodies were protected by - this armour - lorica segmentata...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..designed specifically - for this type of war.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- This soldier was ready for anything.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- The Britons - fought in their own clothing.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Their only defence - was a wooden shield.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- The Battle of Medway - could only have one victor.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- The Britons fought valiantly...
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- ..but their losses were vast.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- Their greatest loss was their king, - Togodumnus.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- His death was enough to destroy...
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- ..the organization - of the Catuvellauni tribe.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Togodumnus was killed - in the Battle of Medway.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Losing the tribe's leader...
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- ..was tantamount to losing - the tribal head for the Britons.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- It felt as if - the whole tribe had died.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- After the battle, the Britons - retreated north to the Thames.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- They were trying to reach their most - important stronghold - Camulodunum.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- The Roman soldiers - weren't far behind.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- With victory fresh in their minds, - the Romans reached the Thames.
0:23:12 > 0:23:18- It's a wide river but a great prize - awaited them on the other side.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Thirty miles north of the river...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- ..Camulodunum, or Colchester - as we know it today...
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- ..was Britain's most populated area.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- Plautius was eager to conquer it. - Imagine the scene.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- He sees the river - for the first time and wonders...
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- ..how his men will cross it - and reach Camulodunum.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- Somehow or other, and no-one - is certain of the facts...
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- ..Plautius achieved his aim - in almost no time at all.
0:23:48 > 0:23:54- By September 43 AD, only four months - after starting the campaign...
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- ..the Romans were about - to conquer Camulodunum.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- The town was surrounded - by Plautius's army.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- He could have marched - into the city's centre at any time.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- But he left that honour - to someone else.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- The man who accepted the surrender - of the people of Camulodunum...
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- ..was Emperor Claudius himself.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Plautius had sent a message - with news of a successful campaign.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- Claudius rushed from Rome - to receive the adulation himself.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- The man had plenty of style.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- Apparently, he marched - into Camulodunum...
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- ..on the back on an elephant.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- I'm sure most people saw this - as a PR stunt...
0:24:39 > 0:24:44- ..rather than a way of emphasizing - the great military victory...
0:24:44 > 0:24:49- ..but style may well have been more - important than content at the time.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- It helped Claudius stay in power - for a further nine years.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58- Today's spin doctors would - have been proud of his success.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- The capture of Camulodunum - was the crowning point...
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- ..of Claudius's whole career.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- He had come to the throne - with a reputation...
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- ..for being a gibbering idiot...
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- ..but look what he's done.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- He's organized a whole Roman army - to go to the ends of the earth...
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- ..and capture this new province...
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- ..and he, Claudius, - has marched in triumph.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- No wonder they renamed Camulodunum - Colonia Claudia Victoriensis.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- For the rest of his reign...
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- ..Claudius constantly referred to - his triumphant victory in Britain.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- His soldiers - had the utmost respect for him...
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- ..but while he boasted - of his conquest in Rome...
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- ..others continued with the work - of taming Britannia.
0:25:51 > 0:25:57- The Romans had only conquered the - south-eastern corner of the island.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- Who was charged with the task - of conquering...
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- ..the remainder of the country?
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- Who became - the Governor of Britannia?
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- Aulus Plautius.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- He continued with the strategy that - had worked so well - military force.
0:26:14 > 0:26:14- .
0:26:17 > 0:26:17- 888
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- 888- - 888
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- In the summer of 43 AD...
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- ..four Roman legions had crossed - the Channel to invade Britain.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- By the autumn, three were ready - to leave the south-east...
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- ..to try and tame - the rest of the country.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Under the leadership of Vespasian...
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- ..a general who would eventually - become Emperor of Rome...
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- ..one garrison marched along the - south coast towards the south-west.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Another garrison marched north...
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- ..to an area known today - as Lincolnshire.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- The third garrison marched - through the centre of the country...
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- ..towards Shropshire.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- It wasn't always easy - for the Romans.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- There were some fierce battles - along the way.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- The Britons had strong, - natural defences in some areas.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- This might look like a hill - to you...
0:27:15 > 0:27:20- ..but it is Maiden Castle - in Dorset, an old Iron Age fort.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- It is vast - the equivalent - of 50 football pitches.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- Defending this fort - were the Celtic tribe of Durotriges.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- When Vespasian reached this area...
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- ..the Durotriges were ready - for the battle that followed.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- The Romans won the battle, but only - after a long and fierce campaign.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Other tribes - were far less willing to fight.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- Eleven tribes, - according to one estimate...
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- ..decided not to oppose - the Romans at all.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- The Romans would arrive - and the tribe would surrender.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02- One factor that every - imperialistic power considers...
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- ..is the divisions within a country.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- You control a country...
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- ..by capitalizing - on those divisions.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- They knew the Catuvellauni tribe - were in the south-east.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- The Catuvellauni had conquered - most of the south-east.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25- They controlled, or were feared, by - a vast proportion of the population.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31- Naturally, the Romans tried - to gain the trust of the tribes...
0:28:31 > 0:28:36- ..which had been controlled - by the Catuvellauni tribe.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- They employed the same tactic...
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- ..with the Brigantes - in the north of England...
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- ..and the Iceni in Norfolk - and Suffolk as they're known today.
0:28:46 > 0:28:52- They gained the trust - of the elite of each tribe...
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- ..to support the Roman cause...
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- ..and promised them - a proportion of self-rule...
0:29:00 > 0:29:02- ..if they surrendered to the Romans.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08- One of the tribes which surrendered - to the Romans was the Iceni.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13- The tribe's king, Prasutagas, formed - an agreement with Aulus Plautius.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17- Prasutagas, - like any red-blooded Briton...
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- ..realized the enemy - of his enemies...
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- ..would be his friend.
0:29:23 > 0:29:30- He assigned the emperor as - joint heir, with his daughters...
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- ..to his land and tribe.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39- Prasutagas believed he could - work with the Romans.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- Eventually, the Iceni tribe - would regret their agreement...
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- ..with the Romans.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- At the time, they were content, - as was Aulus Plautius.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Thanks to Plautius, - when he returned to Rome in 47 AD...
0:30:01 > 0:30:06- ..most of southern Britain - had been conquered by the Romans.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- Quite an achievement.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- A new leader arrived - to succeed Plautius.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- That man was Ostorius Scapula.
0:30:18 > 0:30:24- Scapula probably believed he could - tame the rest of Britain quickly...
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- ..but that wasn't the case.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- The new man knew very little - about the way to control barbarians.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35- Scapula commanded the tribes who had - made agreements with the Romans...
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- ..to lay down their arms, - a rather irksome demand.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- Prasutagas, king of the Iceni, - had no desire to surrender to Rome.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- To be honest, they were tired - of the snobbish attitude...
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- ..of these continental newcomers.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- For the first time, but certainly - not for the last time...
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- ..the Iceni rebelled.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- Scapula was surprised - at the ferocity of the rebellion.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- He immediately prepared - his response.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- He collected his men together...
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- ..and enticed the Iceni - into a battle on open land...
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- ..a factor that pleased - any Roman general.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- The Iceni lost the battle and - paid dearly for their rebellion.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- They were eventually forced - to surrender.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- It was a great and important - victory for Scapula...
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- ..but he had no time to rest.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- After gaining control - of eastern Britain...
0:31:42 > 0:31:48- ..he decided the time was right - to conquer the west.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- In Wales, many tribes were ready - to oppose the Roman Conquest.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59- Scapula would have to fight - all the tribes in turn.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- The battles would be fierce.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- The first tribe to feel - the force of Scapula...
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- ..was the Deceangli - in north-east Wales.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- They were followed - by the Ordovices...
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- ..whose land stretched - from Anglesey to Hereford.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- The Ordovices - proved very resilient...
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- ..but the tribe which caused Scapula - the most problems were the Silures.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28- The Silures incensed Scapula - so much, he decreed publically...
0:32:28 > 0:32:33- ..on more than one occasion, that - he would destroy them completely.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Roman historian Tacitus - described the Silures...
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- ..as a strong, combative nation.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- They were experienced fighters.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48- What frightened the Romans - the most...
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- ..was their unity - with a dangerous leader.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- Caratacus, Togodumnus's brother.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- Togodumnus had been killed - at the Battle of Medway.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- Since his brother's death...
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- ..Caratacus had been a constant - thorn in the Romans' side.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12- Caratacus, or Caradog - as we know him in Wales...
0:33:12 > 0:33:17- ..was a prince - from the Catuvellauni tribe.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- When his tribe - succumbed to the Romans...
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- ..he fled to south-east Wales...
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- ..to join the Silures...
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- ..an area we now know as Gwent, - Glamorgan and parts of Brecknock.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- They accepted the leadership of a - man from the other side of Britain.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- That suggests there was a greater - sense of unity between the tribes...
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- ..than we are led to believe.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- He organized the Silures - to oppose the Roman Invasion...
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- ..and appears to have had - a successful campaign.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59- He'd learnt that the method - of fighting one long battle...
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- ..against the Romans - was an ineffective form of war.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09- The Roman army was too vast - and too efficient.
0:34:10 > 0:34:17- Caratacus developed, or utilized, - a form of skirmish war...
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- ..whereby he would attack, - strike and retreat...
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- ..and then attack from a different - angle, strike and retreat.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- He would attack - from a different point each time...
0:34:29 > 0:34:30- ..raiding and retreating.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- It was an effective tactic - in such a mountainous country.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- This is the Romans' - Vietnam War, virtually.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- This is where the Romans - have to fight a people...
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- ..who can retreat and disappear...
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- ..into almost impossible - parts of the terrain.
0:34:50 > 0:34:56- The unity between Caratacus and - Silures was a threat to the Romans.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01- Caratacus became a hero - and a target for Scapula's army.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- There's no doubt - that Caratacus was seen...
0:35:05 > 0:35:08- ..as one of Britain's - greatest rebels.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- Word of his conquests - must have reached Rome.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- This great, strong rebel...
0:35:17 > 0:35:22- ..who was creating so many problems - for the Romans in Britain.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27- On Scapula's orders, two complete - legions were sent to Wales...
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- ..and attacked Caratacus - and the Silures relentlessly.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- As the battles continued...
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- ..Caratacus realized that he - could not overcome his enemy.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- He retreated hastily - and headed for north Wales...
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- ..with his soldiers - and their families...
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- ..to join the Ordovician tribe.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- With a Roman legion in pursuit - and Scapula at its helm...
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- ..Caratacus and his followers - must have lived in fear.
0:36:03 > 0:36:08- As Scapula's army neared, - Caratacus decided he had to fight.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17- On a rocky cliff, somewhere - between mid-Wales and England...
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- ..Caratacus chose - a natural stronghold...
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- ..and waited for Scapula's legion - to appear.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- According to Tacitus, Scapula - was concerned when he realized...
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- ..where Caratacus and his men - were positioned.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- This may well be that position.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Caer Caradog, in Shropshire, - is its name to this day.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- Caratacus had prepared his men - for the battle that lay ahead.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- This would be the day when they - would either gain their freedom...
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- ..or become slaves - to the Roman Empire.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- On Scapula's orders, - the Roman legion attacked.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06- From their elevated position, the - Britons could launch huge rocks...
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- ..towards the Romans.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Scapula had a tactic - to deal with this.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- His soldiers linked up - their shields...
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- ..to create a defensive roof.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22- Under this roof, they managed - to reach the bottom of the hill.
0:37:22 > 0:37:27- They then started to climb - towards the Briton's fort.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- The battle was a disaster - for Caratacus.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37- The Romans' strength, skill - and armoury were far too powerful.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39- Caratacus managed to escape...
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- ..but his wife, daughters - and his brother were captured...
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- ..and most of his soldiers - were massacred.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- If this was a hefty blow - to the British cause...
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- ..there was worse to come.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- Caratacus fled - to the north of England.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- He sought refuge with - the Brigantes tribe in the hope...
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- ..that they would support him - because of his heroic work.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- He joined up - with the Brigantes tribe...
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- ..and their queen, Cartamandua.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- She wasn't to be trusted.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- She handed him over to the Romans...
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- ..with whom she had already - formed an alliance.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28- Along with his family, - he was taken to Rome...
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- ..as a trophy - of the Roman Conquest in Britain.
0:38:37 > 0:38:42- The Romans wanted as much propaganda - as they could from this victory.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- They decided - to try Caratacus publically...
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- ..before no-one less - than Emperor Claudius himself.
0:38:50 > 0:38:50- .
0:38:54 > 0:38:54- 888
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- 888- - 888
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- The Romans' main enemy in Britain - was now in chains.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- Caratacus and his family endured - an atrocious journey to Rome...
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- ..to stand trial - before Emperor Claudius.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- But no-one had foreseen - what would happen next...
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- ..in this incredible story.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- What happened to Caratacus - when he reached Rome...
0:39:27 > 0:39:32- ..is one of the most remarkable - stories of classical history.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- In this passage, - chronicled by Tacitus...
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- ..he writes that the Briton - and his family...
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- ..were paraded in front - of Rome's citizens.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46- Thousands gathered to see the man - who had opposed Rome's might...
0:39:47 > 0:39:49- ..being slaughtered with his family.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Before the executioner - could set about his task...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- ..Claudius unexpectedly - allowed Caratacus to speak.
0:39:56 > 0:40:02- It was an opportunity for Caratacus - to plead for his life.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- If Tacitus's account is correct, - this was some speech.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- Emperor, - and the noble citizens of Rome...
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- ..had my moderation - in prosperity been equal...
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- ..to my noble birth and fortune...
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- ..I should have entered this city - as your friend...
0:40:22 > 0:40:23- ..rather than your captive...
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- ..and you would not have - disdained to receive a king...
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- ..descended - from illustrious ancestors.
0:40:32 > 0:40:39- My present lot is as glorious to you - as it is degrading to myself.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- I had horses, men and arms.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- What wonder if I parted - with them reluctantly?
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Were I to have been - delivered as a prisoner...
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- ..neither my fall nor your triumph - would have become famous.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- My punishment would be - followed by oblivion...
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- ..whereas, if you save my life...
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- ..I shall be an everlasting memorial - of your clemency.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- We can't be sure - that Caratacus pleaded...
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- ..with the same passion - and eloquence that Tacitus suggests.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- We do know that his speech - had a lasting effect.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- As a direct result of his words...
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- ..Claudius pardoned - Caratacus and his family...
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- ..and allowed them to live the rest - of their lives in Rome.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- An unexpected outcome - for Caratacus and his family.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- Nothing is known about Caratacus's - life following his speech...
0:41:42 > 0:41:47- ..but his legacy remained - in the areas where he had fought.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- Caratacus is a name that's echoed - through the centuries.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- He made a favourable impression - of Tacitus.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- The name was widely used - in the Middle Ages...
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- ..with many kings of Gwent - being called Caradog.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09- Generations later, scholars would - rediscover the story of Caratacus...
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- ..and portray him - as a national hero.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- Years later, when people - chronicled the history of Wales...
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- ..they tried to find - the heroes of Wales.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- They accept Caratacus as a hero...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- ..thanks to the descriptions - written by Tacitus.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31- If we're looking for the first - Welsh hero, he was a man from Essex.
0:42:31 > 0:42:37- The capture of Caratacus - was a huge blow for the Britons...
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- ..but the rebellion continued.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44- In Wales, - the Silures continued to fight.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- The Silures - continued their campaign.
0:42:50 > 0:42:57- There are many accounts - of the Silures attacking...
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- ..units of horsemen...
0:43:00 > 0:43:06- ..and even attacking Roman legions - on the Wales-England border.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14- The battles continued - even in Caratacus's absence...
0:43:15 > 0:43:17- ..and his exile in Rome.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22- Caratacus's capture - had angered the Silures.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27- The first people to feel - the force of this backlash...
0:43:27 > 0:43:31- ..were a troop of Roman soldiers - who were building a fort in Wales.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35- According to Tacitus...
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- ..the Romans had only just started - work on the foundation...
0:43:40 > 0:43:43- ..when the Silures attacked them.
0:43:44 > 0:43:50- Tacitus describes the fate - of these Romans as a massacre.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- After this battle, other authors - claim that the Silures...
0:43:57 > 0:44:02- ..proceeded to win - an even greater battle.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- There is a suggestion - that they defeated a Roman legion...
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- ..a rare occurrence - at a time when the Britons...
0:44:12 > 0:44:14- ..had undisciplined soldiers.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17- They tended to engage - in guerrilla battles.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- The Romans excelled - in more formal battles.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- A British tribe defeating a Roman - legion was a very rare occurrence...
0:44:31 > 0:44:35- ..but there is a strong suggestion - that this was the case.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- The Silures rebellion - shook the Romans to the core.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- Scapula died in 52 AD knowing - he had failed to complete his task.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49- He hadn't succeeded - in his quest to conquer Britain.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52- In time, - his successors would discover...
0:44:52 > 0:44:57- ..that the population of Britannia - would not surrender willingly.
0:44:59 > 0:45:04- The north of England was - the next battlefield for the Romans.
0:45:04 > 0:45:09- Britannia's next governor, - Aulus Didius Gallus...
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- ..spent most of his five years - as leader...
0:45:13 > 0:45:18- ..trying to tame the Brigantes, the - tribe which had betrayed Caratacus.
0:45:18 > 0:45:23- The Romans discovered - that the population of Britain...
0:45:23 > 0:45:25- ..offered one problem after another.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- A common theme - surrounding the Roman Conquest...
0:45:30 > 0:45:32- ..is their response to the natives.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38- It all depends whether we can - translate accurately from Latin.
0:45:38 > 0:45:43- The word 'barbarian' - regularly arises.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46- That's a description of the natives.
0:45:47 > 0:45:51- The text is very interesting.
0:45:51 > 0:45:57- If you command your soldiers - to attack...
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- ..a nation - of fierce-looking people...
0:46:00 > 0:46:07- ..the only way you can treat them is - as animals and not as human beings.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- They don't live their lives - the same as us, the conquerors.
0:46:12 > 0:46:17- By now, tribes across Britain - were rising in opposition.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20- Was it possible - for these barbarians...
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- ..to overcome the Roman threat?
0:46:23 > 0:46:29- The Romans were losing control and - they only had themselves to blame.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- From the governors - at the top of the social scale...
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- ..to the common soldier...
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- ..the conquerors' attitude - towards the native population...
0:46:40 > 0:46:42- ..was completely contemptuous.
0:46:42 > 0:46:47- They called these natives - Brittunculi - wretched little Brits.
0:46:47 > 0:46:52- This attitude, sooner or later, - would create problems for them.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- It did, here in Wales - as much as anywhere else.
0:46:57 > 0:47:02- The first Roman advances - had failed to secure a foothold...
0:47:02 > 0:47:04- ..in north-west Wales.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10- More work was needed if they wanted - these people to surrender.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- When Roman eyes - were set firmly on Wales...
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- ..there were rebellions - in other parts of Britain.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21- The Iceni had been to battle before.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27- This time, they were incensed - by the disgraceful way...
0:47:27 > 0:47:29- ..the Romans treated them.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32- They almost overcame - the Roman threat completely.
0:47:35 > 0:47:40- Who led the most - successful rebellion of all?
0:47:40 > 0:47:42- A woman.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45- Her name is well-known to this day.
0:47:45 > 0:47:50- Boudica, Boadicea or Buddug.
0:47:51 > 0:47:56- The campaign led by Boadicea and the - Iceni was a disaster for the Romans.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00- Thousands were killed - and three cities were destroyed.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06- Boadicea's rebellion is one of - Britain's most remarkable stories.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10- It's also one - of the most difficult to understand.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- Why was it such a bloody battle?
0:48:12 > 0:48:15- How did the Romans - overcome the rebellion...
0:48:15 > 0:48:18- ..and go on to govern - for centuries...
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- ..leaving their mark - on grand buildings like this?
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- These are questions we'll try - and answer in the next part...
0:48:25 > 0:48:27- ..of this series.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:48:59 > 0:49:00- .