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0:00:04 > 0:00:07- For almost four centuries - after Christ's death...
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- ..Britain was part - of the Roman Empire.
0:00:13 > 0:00:19- Some tribal leaders befriended - the Romans who came to Britain.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25- Life was good for many of them under - the Pax Romana - the Roman Peace.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- For others...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..the Roman occupation - was a nightmare.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- For many Britons, life under Roman - rule was difficult...
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- ..unpleasant and short.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- I'm Rhun ap Iorwerth.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- As a journalist - and political correspondent...
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- ..I've asked our modern-day rulers - many times about their work.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- On this journey, - our history is most important.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- To understand our own lives...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- ..we have to understand - the lives of our forefathers.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- People who were trampled.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- I'll be journeying back to the - first centuries of our history...
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- ..when our country - was governed by Rome.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- I'll be visiting sites - in England and Wales.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Some are well known...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- ..while others are only known - to a handful of people.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- Using the latest - graphic techniques...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..I'm hoping to see the new Britain - the Romans built.
0:01:27 > 0:01:34- With the help of people who enjoy - recreating Roman battles...
0:01:34 > 0:01:39- ..we'll feel the excitement and - horror of their military strength.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- By combining this with - the latest work of archaeologists...
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- ..and articles - scripted centuries ago...
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- ..I hope to show you the Romans - in a way you've never seen before.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- This is a full account - of what happened before...
0:01:57 > 0:01:58- ..during..
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- ..and after the Roman invasion - of Britain.
0:02:08 > 0:02:15- Roman Peace
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- When the Romans - invaded Britain in 43 AD...
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- ..some tribal leaders - retaliated for decades.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- Some, such as Boudica...
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- ..almost sent the Romans back...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..but the Roman army stood firm...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- ..and established an order - which lasted for centuries.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- Completing the construction - of Hadrian's Wall in 130 AD...
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- ..was the beginning - of a new chapter.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- For the next 300 years...
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- ..it was predominantly a peaceful - life for people south of the border.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- The Brythonic-Roman society...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- ..which existed during - this comparatively peaceful era...
0:03:03 > 0:03:04- ..was seen as a golden age.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- That was particularly evident - in south-east Britain.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- There was - a network of market towns...
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- ..with a plentiful supply - of goods for the people.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- The Roman era - has provided archaeologists...
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- ..with an abundance of riches.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- Whilst digging at Roman sites, - they've found coins, pottery...
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- ..statues...
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- ..gifts for the gods.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37- So many artefacts can be found - at Roman archaeological sites.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- If you visit sites - in southern Britain...
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- ..you'll see how rich some of the - people were during the Roman era.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- You'll find the remains of a - Roman villa in Lullingstone in Kent.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- As you cast your eye over - the mosaic in the dining room...
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- ..you can appreciate the lavish - lifestyle the owners led.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- This villa was one - of the grandest homes in Britain.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- There are plenty of examples - of mosaic flooring in Wales too...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- ..such as this one in Caerwent.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Laying a mosaic like this - was quite a challenge.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- It takes remarkable skill.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- As you can imagine...
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- ..people who could afford to lay - entire floors in their homes...
0:04:23 > 0:04:25- ..were very wealthy people.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- Most villas were owned by people - who had moved from the continent...
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- ..but many of them - were originally from Britain...
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- ..descendants - of the Brythonic leaders...
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- ..who had co-operated - with the Romans...
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- ..but this elite was only a small - proportion of the population.
0:04:49 > 0:04:55- The common Britons who didn't - belong to a privileged class...
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- ..also benefited from Roman rule.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- New roads were built, - new foods were introduced...
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- ..and sewage systems - were established.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- The Romans' ingenuity - improved many aspects of life...
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- ..but it must be remembered - that Roman rule...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..was based on military occupation.
0:05:15 > 0:05:21- History tells us that the conqueror - benefited more than the conquered.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- Britain, under Roman rule, - was no exception.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- The Romans conquered to make - the most of Britain's resources.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- The natives were resources - to the Roman Empire...
0:05:37 > 0:05:43- ..as soldiers, - officers and taxpayers.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- Taxes had existed - before Roman times...
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- ..but they introduced - a more sophisticated system.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- Taxes were raised - for travel, land and trade.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- Taxes were compulsory - - for the rich and the poor.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- If you didn't have money - to pay a tax...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- ..the Government would - take your livestock, crops...
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- ..or anything else of value.
0:06:10 > 0:06:17- Yes, military occupation - was a key feature of Roman Britain.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- The cost of running an army was - paid by those under its control.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Many people believe - that the Roman forts and soldiers...
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- ..in Britain - and the borders with Wales...
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- ..existed to safeguard - and protect the Roman taxpayers.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Tax collectors were - very unpopular amongst the locals...
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- ..and military force - was needed sometimes...
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- ..to help the collectors - steal or claim the taxes...
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- ..or the land from the people...
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- ..to pay - for the Roman Empire's governance.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- The garrison in Britain was - one of the largest in the Empire.
0:06:58 > 0:07:04- At one time, around 10-12% - of the Roman Army was in Britain...
0:07:04 > 0:07:09- ..when Britain made up - only 4% of the Roman Empire.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16- A large army of Roman soldiers - was needed to control Britannia.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- There was another reason for keeping - such a large garrison in Britain.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- The last thing you want, - as a Roman Emperor...
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- ..is to be toppled from your throne.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- If you have rivals...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..the last thing you want them to - have is access to a huge garrison.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Britain is at least - across the water.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- It's difficult for anybody mounting - a rebellion in the Roman world...
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- ..to cross into the Mediterranean - area and try and attack Rome.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- There's clear evidence - of military action across Wales.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- The straight roads that connected - the network of forts...
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- ..that kept the country - under control...
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- ..such as Sarn Road - between Trecastle and Llandovery.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Across Wales, - as part of the new system...
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- ..there were numerous forts.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- The natural system - was to site these forts...
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- ..in places where soldiers - could control the population.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- The forts were relatively close - to one another...
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- ..about 25 miles apart.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- It was a day's journey - for a Roman soldier.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Five miles upstream from the estuary - of the River Conwy...
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- ..and a day's journey from - the important fort in Caernarfon...
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- ..is the fort of Caerhun.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- There's not much to see there now - but this was once an important fort.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- The garrison at Caerhun - consisted of around 500 soldiers.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- It's a large fort - - about 140m by 140m.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Where has the fort gone? Follow me.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09- This ancient church at the - north-eastern end of the fort...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- ..was built - using stone from the old fort.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- An early example of recycling.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- It's happened - in many parts of Britain.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- The fort has disappeared...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..but archaeologists - have discovered...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..the remains of baths, storerooms, - administrative buildings...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- ..and a praetorium - the fort - chief officer's home.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- In many countries - within the Roman Empire...
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- ..you could travel far without - encountering one Roman soldier.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- In Britain, they were like ants.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- There were so many soldiers here, - in addition to the smaller forts...
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- ..a series of larger forts - were needed for the legions.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- The remains of one of the most - important can be found in Wales.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02- .
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0:10:08 > 0:10:11- I'm on my way to Caerleon - near Newport.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Caerleon's Roman name was Isca.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- They established an important - military centre here in 75 AD.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- They developed the site greatly - over the next 200 years.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- The most striking feature today...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- ..is this grand amphitheatre, - the best of its kind in Britain.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- To better understand - what the Roman legion's presence...
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- ..meant to native Brythonic tribes, - we need to visit some nearby ruins.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- I'm here at the site - of a Roman barracks...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..the only one of its kind - in Europe.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Each barracks - was home to 80 soldiers.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- There are four blocks here.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04- You could conclude that Caerleon - was home to around 300 soldiers.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Believe it or not, - archaeologists have discovered...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..that when Caerleon - was an important Roman centre...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- ..there were 60 blocks here - housing almost 5,000 soldiers.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- Is it any wonder that the Britons - had decided not to rebel?
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Who in their right mind - would have done so?
0:11:26 > 0:11:31- Caerleon was one of the most - important Roman centres in Britain.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Soldiers from across Britain - were housed here...
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- ..and it was an important centre - to control southern Britain.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- There was an amphitheatre here too.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- As well as a venue - for entertainment...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- ..it was used for training purposes.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- It was important to teach soldiers - how to fight for the Empire.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- It housed a whole legion - - Augusta's second legion.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- The fort was built - to house an entire legion...
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- ..something unusual - in the Roman Empire.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- It was a border fort which housed - a large number of soldiers.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- Keeping such a large number - of soldiers in England and Wales...
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- ..was a way of guaranteeing peace - under Roman terms.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- It was also a way of making sure - that the flow of wealth...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- ..would end up in Roman pockets.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- The initial reason for the invasion - was to make a profit.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- The army - and representatives of the Empire...
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- ..kept a close eye on the people - and their belongings...
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- ..to make sure they were taxed.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Taking money from individuals - was only part of the plan.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- A more important feature...
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- ..was exploiting - Britain's natural resources.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06- One of the reasons Claudius invaded - Britain during the first century...
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- ..was to make the most - of the country's natural resources.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- The Roman authorities - didn't waste any time...
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- ..as they reaped the benefits - of their new kingdom.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Although Aulus Plautius, - Britannia's first Emperor...
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- ..faced an intense guerrilla - rebellion from the Britons...
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- ..it didn't deter him from exploring - Britain's resources in detail.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Aulus Plautius sent surveyors - to all parts of Britain...
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- ..to look for the most valuable - resources - tin, lead and silver.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- They reached the remotest parts - of Britain at the time.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- I'm on my way - to Pumsaint in Carmarthenshire.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- There, they discovered gold.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- Hidden behind a deep forest - near the village...
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- ..are the Dolaucothi Gold Mines.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- The mines were still operational - until the 1930s.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- What can be seen on the surface - was used during that time.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- The Romans saw the site's potential - 2,000 years earlier.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- I met Glyn Jones at the gold mines.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- Glyn is a local man - who works for the National Trust...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- ..which now manages the site.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- I was eager to discover - how the Romans extracted the gold...
0:14:35 > 0:14:42- ..without the use of modern - mining equipment or explosives.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- What can we see in front of us?
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- If you look towards that rock - and follow your eye line right...
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- ..you can see a line - - it's an old aqueduct.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53- An aqueduct?
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- That's where they kept - their water tanks...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- ..and water was transported - from one tank to the next.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- Where was the water's source?
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- A lake about seven miles away.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- Water would be transported along - canals which were four feet wide...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- ..to the water tanks.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- 2.5 million gallons - were transported every day.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Why did they need so much water?
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- It was used to clear the area - to gain access to the gold.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- The water flowed from the tanks...
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- ..cleared all the trees and soil - and they then discovered the gold.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- What was fire setting?
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- If cutting into the rock - proved difficult...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- ..they would heat the rock - for two days...
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- ..and then water would flow - towards the rock and into the rock.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- It made it easier - to cut through the rock.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Let's have a closer look.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- You have to applaud - the ingenuity of the Romans...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- ..as they dug for gold.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- However, no-one would applaud...
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- ..the way they exploited the site - over centuries.
0:16:07 > 0:16:14- It highlights how dark and cruel - Roman culture could be.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- The Romans in Pumsaint, as in - every other part of the Empire...
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- ..relied heavily on slaves - to do the work.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- Thousands of them were forced - to work in the mines...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- ..day in, day out, - year in, year out.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- Over the centuries, - the hard labour of the slaves...
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- ..created large craters - in the hillsides...
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- ..and an amazing network of tunnels.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- We can see on the walls - in a few places...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..evidence of the work - carried out here.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Over here, you can see pick marks - made by the Romans.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- They're down here on the side.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- If we look up, you can see - pick marks across the ceiling.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- It wasn't a nice place to work.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- It's cold enough here now...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- ..but during Roman times, - it was cold and wet.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- You can imagine all the dust - they inhaled into their lungs...
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- ..causing silicosis.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- This ceiling is quite low too.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- This is hard rock - - it supports itself...
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- ..but there was always a chance - the rock could collapse on them.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- They were slaves.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- This is evidence of people - working in difficult conditions.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- Most of the slaves who worked in - Dolaucothi and other Roman mines...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- ..were foreign workers.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Others had been enslaved - in Britain...
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- ..and sent in chains - to work underground.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- Slavery was part of British life - before the Roman Conquest...
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- ..and it continued - after the invasion.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- People who were imprisoned after - rebelling against the Romans...
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- ..were sent, - often far from their homes...
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- ..to work as slaves in Italy - or in another part of the Empire.
0:18:19 > 0:18:26- Importing slaves into Italy was - crucial to keep the Empire alive.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Slaves would work on the land...
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- ..to provide more and more food - for the army.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- It was the lowest class in society.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- It was a class the Romans exploited.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- The Romans treated slaves harshly.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- To give you an idea - of how harsh conditions were...
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- ..slaves had to mine - ten loads of shale...
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- ..to find one load of quartz - which contained gold.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09- If they were lucky, they would - find this much gold in one load.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- The Romans unearthed three-quarters - of a ton of gold in Dolaucothi.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- All the sweat and blood - of the slaves...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..benefited - the Roman leaders greatly.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- No-one can tell what percentage - of the British population...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..were slaves to the Romans.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Even those who weren't in chains...
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- ..were controlled by the Romans.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46- Romans believed - that only civic life was civilized.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Thousands of people - were forced off the land...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- ..to live in the new - towns and cities.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Some adapted to the change - effortlessly.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- Others struggled.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- Anyone who lives in a city today, - or visits a city...
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- ..knows precisely what kind - of place it is and what to expect.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Hustle and bustle always. - Conflict and filth occasionally.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- Adapting to this kind of life must - have been difficult for Britons.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- Why?
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- The majority had never seen a town - or city before the Roman invasion.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- Despite initial reservations - of the Britons...
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- ..the Roman way of life - became compulsory for them.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- They built towns with plenty - of facilities for the population.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Towns such as this one, - Viroconium in Shropshire.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- This place grew rapidly until - the end of the Roman era in Britain.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- In towns such as these, - a new identity emerged...
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- ..as the native culture - and the Roman culture merged.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- In time, with people travelling - to Rome and enjoying the luxuries...
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- ..a change develops in - the wealthier aspects of society.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- The difference between a Briton - and a Roman disappears.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- The idea - of the Romano-British emerges...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- ..the Roman British - or the British Romans.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26- By the third century, people - considered themselves to be Roman...
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- ..and part of the Roman Empire - above all else.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- They were the wealthiest people.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Some of them centred their lives - around the towns.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- As the Romano-British - adapted to this new life...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- ..and created a new identity...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..a new language developed - which included Latin words...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..for things - introduced by the Romans.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- "Pont" is one word introduced - by the Romans and still used today.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- There are many more - many linked - to architectural features.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- "Eglwys" (church) - is another fine example.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- The church has a "ffenestr" (window) - which is derived from a Latin word.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- There are words - which belong to the Roman world.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- "Imperator" - is 'ymerawdwr' (emperor).
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- "Liber" is "llyfr" (book).
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- The "cadair" (chair) I'm sitting on - - "cathedra" to the Romans
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- These were new words - to British people.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- The names were influenced - by the Latin language.
0:22:29 > 0:22:36- The native people must also have - had words for different body parts.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- No-one knows why "brachium" - was used for "braich" (arm)...
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- ..or "coxa" was used - for "coes" (leg).
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- We kept our own words - for hand, finger and head...
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- ..but used Latin words - for other body parts.
0:22:53 > 0:23:00- There is evidence to suggest that - many Welsh people could write Latin.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Here, in the British Museum - in London...
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- ..there's an important collection - of artefacts.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- These are curse tablets...
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- ..small pieces of lead with messages - to the gods carved on them.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- They might not look exciting - when you first set eyes on them...
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- ..but these shed light - on a curious aspect of life...
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- ..during the Roman occupation.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- They're written in Latin - but they were written by Britons.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- When you can understand - the message...
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- ..it's like receiving - a postcard from a bygone age.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- These are requests - from individuals to the gods...
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- ..to punish someone - who sinned against them.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- This is one from London.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- "I curse Tretia Maria - and her life...
0:23:49 > 0:23:54- "..and mind and memory and lungs - and liver mixed up together."
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- Charming.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- Another one was found in Bath - asking the god Sulis...
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- ..to spill the blood of someone - who had stolen a bronze vessel.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- That's quite a harsh punishment.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- These tell us a lot.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15- Most of these messages - were written by the Britons.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22- They were written to Brythonic gods - such as Sulis and not Roman gods.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- It also appears - that crime, particularly theft...
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- ..was a major problem at the time.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- Some things never change.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- This also shows - that ordinary people...
0:24:34 > 0:24:39- ..had little confidence in - the authorities to punish criminals.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- This shows how dissatisfied some - people were with life in Britain.
0:24:46 > 0:24:53- They had plenty of complaints but - such complaints were meaningless...
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- ..to the powerful Roman Empire.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- The Empire had grown - over the past four centuries.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- It stretched all the way - from Africa in the south...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- ..to the Scottish border - in the north.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13- From Portugal in the west - to Palestine in the east.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Over 2 million square miles - was under Roman control.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- It took a brave soul - to oppose a superpower...
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- ..as the Roman Empire - was at its height.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- For a long time, - it went unchallenged.
0:25:28 > 0:25:34- However, during the third century - AD, there were changes afoot.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- Suddenly, the Empire faced - regular external attacks.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43- There were also rebellions - from within the Empire.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- The sheen started to fade - from the Roman occupation.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- In the third and fourth centuries...
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- ..the Roman Empire started - to dissolve and crumble...
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- ..not only in Britain - but in many parts of Western Europe.
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Compared with other parts - of the Empire...
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- ..Britannia appeared stable, - almost passive.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- But that wasn't a true reflection.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- Towards the end - of the third century...
0:26:15 > 0:26:21- ..Rome's grip on Britain - was far weaker than it appeared.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26- .
0:26:26 > 0:26:26- 888
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- 888- - 888
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- During the third century AD...
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- ..cracks started appearing - in the Roman occupation...
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- ..in many parts of the Empire.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- In other places, the Romans - still remained in complete control.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- Britannia appeared - to be a stable country...
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- ..compared with other parts - of the Empire.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- However, towards the end - of the third century AD...
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- ..something happened to highlight - the weak grip Rome had on Britain.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09- The most prominent character - in this story is a general...
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- ..called Mausaeus Carausius.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- He was an ambitious man - of humble origin...
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- ..who had risen through the ranks - to become leader of a Roman fleet.
0:27:19 > 0:27:25- It was interesting to see Carausius - offering himself as the new Emperor.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- He was head of a fleet.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- For those living on an island...
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- ..control of the sea - and marine trade...
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- ..is very important.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- Carausius benefited from this.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- He offered himself - as a new kind of leader.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- His aim was to take over - the entire Empire...
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- ..but he soon realized - it was beyond his ability.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- He was then content - to be the Emperor of Britannia.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- Some of the coins - minted in his name...
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- ..suggest that he was proud - of his status.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- In the year 286 AD...
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- ..Carausius declared himself - the new Emperor...
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- ..of Britain and Northern Gaul - which included Belgium and Normandy.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- He had a high regard for himself.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21- We know this by the coins - and medals minted during his reign.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- The coins differed - from the ones minted by Rome...
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- ..during the previous century.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- A lot of these were made - using pure silver.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- The message was forget about Rome, - I'm doing things properly.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- There was also propaganda.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- On this coin - expectate veni - - come, long-awaited one.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- Another reads - restitutor - Britanniae - restorer of Britain.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- The medals are even more intriguing.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56- Experts thought long and hard - as they deciphered the letters...
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- ..on the bottom of these medals.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04- They realized that it was an - abbreviation of a piece of poetry...
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- ..by the most famous - of Roman poets - Virgil.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- The poetry reads like this.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- "Redeunt Saturnia Regna" - - the Golden Ages are back.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Carausius wanted to portray himself - as the leader...
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- ..of a new, celebrated age - in the history of Britannia.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- Misleading PR?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- Or an ambitious plan?
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- We'll never know.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- He was betrayed by Allectus...
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- ..one of his ministers.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Allectus was Carausius's treasurer.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- Allectus murdered him.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- Allectus assumed power - following Carausius's death.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Allectus governed Britannia - for three years...
0:30:00 > 0:30:02- ..until Constantius Chlorus...
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- ..the official governor - of the Western Roman Empire...
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- ..attacked and killed Allectus.
0:30:10 > 0:30:16- Rome ruled Britain once more - but it would never be the same.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Carausius's rebellion - shook the Empire.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25- They had to retaliate but how? - They had very few answers.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- In the end, - their actions were rather futile.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- They reorganized local government.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- From now on, there would be - four Roman provinces in Britain.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- The south-east was renamed - Maxima Caesariensis...
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- ..and the south-west - was renamed Britannia Prima.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- The midlands - became Flavia Caesariensis...
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- ..and the northern province - was renamed Britannia Secunda.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- Changes to the boundaries - did little to stop Britain...
0:31:01 > 0:31:06- ..slipping further - from Rome's grasp.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11- The end of the Roman occupation - of Britain was fast approaching...
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- ..but there would be further twists - in this amazing story.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20- One of the most important events - happened in Eboracum...
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- ..York.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27- Eboracum had grown from a small fort - into an important trade centre...
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- ..and the capital - of Britannia Secunda.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- In this town, - on the edge of the Roman Empire...
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- ..something happened that would - eventually change world history.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- In 305 AD, Constantius Chlorus...
0:31:43 > 0:31:46- ..the man who crushed - the Britannic Empire...
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- ..returned to Britain - to try and conquer the Scottish...
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- ..something the Romans - had attempted in the past.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- On his return from - another unsuccessful campaign...
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- ..he stopped in York.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- There, he fell ill and died.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- His soldiers should have waited - for guidance from the Government...
0:32:07 > 0:32:09- ..before naming his successor...
0:32:09 > 0:32:16- ..but without hesitation, - they appointed his son as Emperor.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- His name was Constantine.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- Over the next 30 years - this young man...
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- ..became one of the most successful - leaders in Roman history.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- Constantine is one - of the most famous leaders...
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- ..of the last days - of the Western Roman Empire.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- He moved the Empire's headquarters - to Constantinople...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- ..and his actions - proved to be very wise.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51- The Eastern Empire - lasted for another 1,000 years.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- He also permitted Christians...
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- ..to worship openly - and without obstruction.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- Even though Constantine had - many successes during his reign...
0:33:03 > 0:33:08- ..the act of ensuring religious - freedom was the most significant.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- In 313 AD, all religions, - including Christianity...
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- ..were legalized - within the Roman Empire...
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- ..the first step - towards establishing Christianity...
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- ..as Rome's official religion.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26- The decree would affect - all countries under Roman rule.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- The people who benefited most - were the Christians.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- There was a small group in Britain.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- They didn't have to worry about - being persecuted or executed...
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- ..but traditionally, - when someone wins, someone loses.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- The losers in this case - were the emperors themselves.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- Before Constantine's era...
0:33:49 > 0:33:54- ..the greatest Roman emperors - had been worshipped as gods.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- When Rome accepted Christianity - and its one God...
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- ..the emperors - couldn't lay claim to being gods.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07- People started accepting them - for what they were - mortal men.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- Men who could be opposed...
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- ..replaced and, - more importantly, ignored.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- Over the years, the downgrading - of the emperors' status...
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- ..would slowly weaken Roman rule.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- In the meantime, the greatest threat - to Rome's governance...
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- ..in Britain - came from a different source.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35- Pirates, - predominantly from Germany...
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- ..had been a thorn in the Empire's - side since Carausius's reign.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- By the middle - of the fourth century AD...
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- ..the Saxon threat - increased day by day.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- To counteract the threat, the Romans - built a chain of defences...
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- ..along the coastline.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- These were controlled by a man - with a grand title...
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- ..Comes Litoris Saxonici - - Count of the Saxon Shore.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- As the title suggests...
0:35:06 > 0:35:11- ..his role was defending Britain - from Saxon attacks.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Many forts were along - the eastern coastline...
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- ..the closest coastline - to Saxon lands.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Others were built - along the south coast...
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- ..and believe it or not, - as far west as Cardiff.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- The governors of Britannia...
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- ..believed the Saxon threat - to be a serious one.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38- Their suspicions were confirmed - in the year 367 AD.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- In 367 AD, three different enemies - attacked Britain.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- In the north, from the country - Romans called Caledonia...
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- ..an army of Pict warriors - broke through Hadrian's Wall...
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- ..and attacked Britannia Secunda.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- With this war raging in the north...
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- ..other horrific events were - unfolding in southern Britain.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09- A Saxon army had invaded - Maxima Caesariensis...
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- ..and killed - the Count of the Saxon Shore.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- On top of all this, - there were marine attacks...
0:36:17 > 0:36:22- ..on Wales and Cornwall by two Irish - tribes - the Scotti and Attacotti.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- Many people were killed - in the Britannia Prima province.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- The worst aspect - of the attacks for the Romans...
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- ..was that they were all happening - simultaneously.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- There was a strong suggestion - that the three enemy groups...
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- ..were working together - to overthrow Roman rule.
0:36:46 > 0:36:51- This had never happened before - and the Romans were very concerned.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- As the tension mounted, - the fear increased...
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- ..not only in Britain, - but also in faraway Rome.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04- The main reason these three groups - managed to attack so effectively...
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- ..was through the help - they received from within Britannia.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- Soldiers who defended - Hadrian's Wall were involved.
0:37:11 > 0:37:17- The new emperor, Valentinian I, was - furious when he heard about this.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22- He asked one of his best generals, - Flavius Theodosius...
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- ..to restore Roman rule - in the region.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Theodosius travelled - with a large army...
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- ..to re-establish - Rome's governance of Britain.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- Theodosius acted with a heavy hand.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- Soldiers who had failed - to defend Hadrian's Wall...
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- ..were rounded up and executed.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46- The different groups of attackers - were sent back to their countries.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- Forts like Segontium - were reinforced.
0:37:49 > 0:37:55- It was testimony to what the Romans - could do when they were threatened.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- In truth, - this would be the last time...
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- ..Roman force - would be used in Britain.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- Over the next 50 years, - most of the British governors...
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- ..showed too much interest - in the idea of developing...
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- ..their own power and glory...
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- ..rather than making sure - the country...
0:38:18 > 0:38:22- ..was being properly governed - and defended from attacks.
0:38:23 > 0:38:29- In the year 383 AD, Magnus Maximus, - a Spanish general...
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- ..was named as the new Emperor - by his own men...
0:38:33 > 0:38:37- ..just as Constantine had been - promoted 80 years earlier.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- His first action was to leave - Britain and head for the continent.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- He took most of the soldiers - stationed in Britain with him.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48- Magnus Maximus.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- This man has figured prominently - in Welsh folklore and literature...
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- ..as Macsen Wledig.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02- Somehow, he became a hero - and stories about him...
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- ..have survived for many centuries.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- Despite the romanticism - of Magnus Maximus...
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- ..the truth is - he left Britannia defenceless...
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- ..and open to enemy attacks.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19- .
0:39:22 > 0:39:22- 888
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- 888- - 888
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- At one time, there was an abundance - of Roman soldiers in Britain.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- By the beginning - of the fifth century AD...
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- ..numbers had dwindled.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- The end of the Roman era - was fast approaching.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- In 407 AD, a general - calling himself Constantine III...
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- ..set sail for the continent - to try and become the Emperor.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- He took most - of the Roman garrison with him.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- The Britons had had enough.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Even those who had benefited - from Roman rule...
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- ..were tired of paying a large - proportion of their income...
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- ..to the Treasury - for little in return.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- Constantine III's decision...
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- ..to leave Britain with his soldiers - was a step too far.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- The Britons decided - they would defend Britain.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- It was a clear statement of intent.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- The Britons no longer wanted - to live under Roman rule.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- There were possibilities - at the time...
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- ..that a Roman general - could return across the sea...
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- ..to re-establish Roman rule...
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- ..but the state - of the Roman Empire in the West...
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- ..made that very unlikely.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- The whole emphasis of the Roman - world was going east.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- It was becoming harder and harder - to control the west...
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- ..because of the continuous waves - of barbarians...
0:40:50 > 0:40:52- ..who were battering - the Roman frontiers.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- The Roman Emperor - is holed up in Ravenna...
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- ..defending himself - against the hordes.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- Rome ends up getting sacked.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04- The Romans decide that they cannot - actually govern Britain any longer.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- They can't maintain - the government of Britain.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- It is the most remote province, - the most difficult to control.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- With its troubled history, - they decide to let it go.
0:41:18 > 0:41:25- The year 410 AD is the year - most people highlight...
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- ..as the year the Roman occupation - came to an end.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- Emperor Honorius decreed...
0:41:33 > 0:41:40- ..that the Romans would no longer - assist the Britons...
0:41:40 > 0:41:45- ..to battle against the wave after - wave of attacks upon the country.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- Changes were afoot.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- After almost four centuries, - the Roman occupation ended.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58- This romantic portrait, - painted by John Everett Millais...
0:41:58 > 0:42:03- ..shows the departure of the - last Roman soldier from Britain...
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- ..as a sad, poignant moment.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- Many people - from the privileged classes...
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- ..were sad to see - the end of the Roman era.
0:42:13 > 0:42:18- Take someone such as Gildas the monk - in the sixth century.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- For him, - the Roman departure was a disaster.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27- It opened the doors - for the barbaric Saxon tribes.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- Nowadays, academics disagree...
0:42:31 > 0:42:36- ..with the sentimental - interpretation of the Roman era.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41- Many argue that Rome - exploited British resources...
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- ..and abused the people - for far too long.
0:42:44 > 0:42:50- I was struck by Mortimer Wheeler's - autobiography - Still Digging.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- He writes, "I suffered - from a surfeit of things Roman.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00- "I felt disgusted by the - mechanistic quality of their art...
0:43:00 > 0:43:05- "..and by the nearness of - their civilization at all times...
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- "..to cruelty and corruption."
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- There's a lot of truth in that.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15- There is evidence to suggest that in - the final years of the Roman era...
0:43:15 > 0:43:19- ..there were numerous rebellions - by the natives.
0:43:19 > 0:43:24- The local population was tired - of paying taxes to the Romans.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- They were tired of Roman oppression.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33- However, although the Romans - had governed Britain...
0:43:33 > 0:43:35- ..for their own benefit...
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- ..the British also benefited - from their occupation.
0:43:39 > 0:43:46- When the Romans left Britain, - the country's economy suffered.
0:43:46 > 0:43:51- To a great extent, Wales - and England took backward steps...
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- ..over the next centuries - - the Dark Ages.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- There is no longer - the trickle of money...
0:43:57 > 0:43:58- ..coming down from the Roman world.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- No longer is there any need - to pay taxes to the Roman world.
0:44:02 > 0:44:07- If you don't have to earn the money, - you don't have to sell your goods.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- The whole purpose of the town - begins to fall to pieces.
0:44:11 > 0:44:12- What you tend to do then...
0:44:12 > 0:44:16- ..is look towards more local - sources of patronage and power.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19- Britain becomes - what it had been before...
0:44:19 > 0:44:24- ..a place broken up - between little local tribal leaders.
0:44:24 > 0:44:29- The Roman era didn't end - as a result of one ultimate act.
0:44:30 > 0:44:35- Many Brythonic leaders stood firm - against the Saxon onslaught...
0:44:35 > 0:44:37- ..and tried to turn the tide.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- The Battle of Mons Badonicus - was fought in 493 AD.
0:44:42 > 0:44:47- It was a crucial victory - for the Britons.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- We're not entirely sure - of the location of Mount Badon...
0:44:52 > 0:44:57- ..but many people think it was - fought at Solsbury Hill in Somerset.
0:44:58 > 0:45:04- On Mount Badon, Ambrosius Aurelianus - fought a large army of Saxons.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- As a result, - the English were driven eastwards.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- Subsequently, - the lands to the west of Britain...
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- ..remained in Brythonic hands - for generations.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- Ambrosius Aurelianus - became a legend in Welsh folklore...
0:45:21 > 0:45:23- ..known as Emrys Wledig.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- It is said that Dinas Emrys - in Gwynedd is named after him.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- As the Roman influence - disappeared across Britain...
0:45:33 > 0:45:38- ..this corner of Wales boasted of - its connection to the Roman order.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42- If we focus on some of the - early Kings - Cunedda for example...
0:45:42 > 0:45:46- ..it's claimed that he formed - the kingdom of Gwynedd.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- Cunedda's grandfather - was Padarn Beisrudd.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- The "rudd" in his name - is a reference to the colour red.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- "Pais rudd" was a red cloak.
0:45:57 > 0:46:02- Only Roman generals and officers...
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- ..were permitted to wear - the red cloak.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- This suggests that the founder - of the kingdom of Gwynedd...
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- ..took pride, - or his chronicler took pride...
0:46:15 > 0:46:19- ..in the fact that he was - a descendant of a Roman officer.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- Rome's influence lasted - for a long time in some places.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- In a small church in Snowdonia...
0:46:26 > 0:46:31- ..you can find the last evidence of - the Roman order in Western Europe.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- Here, in Penmachno, - there are headstones of people...
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- ..who lived here - in the sixth century AD...
0:46:37 > 0:46:42- ..over a century after the last - Roman soldier had left the country.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- Each one of these headstones - has its own story.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- I'll read the inscription - from this one.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52- Cantorix lies here.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- He was a citizen - of Venedos, Gwynedd...
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- ..and cousin of Maglos - the magistrate.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02- The use of those two words...
0:47:02 > 0:47:04- ..citizen - "cives"...
0:47:04 > 0:47:10- ..and magistrate - "magistratum", - along the edge...
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- ..tells us that the people - who lived here at the time...
0:47:14 > 0:47:17- ..continued to follow - the Roman order.
0:47:17 > 0:47:22- Rome had long forgotten about - this tiny corner of the world...
0:47:22 > 0:47:25- ..but these people - still remembered Rome.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- The Roman era in Britain - was amazing.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- A time of attack and rebellion, - of joy and mourning...
0:47:35 > 0:47:40- ..of great luxuries on the one hand - and great hardship on the other.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43- The Romans planned meticulously...
0:47:43 > 0:47:48- ..for their invasion of Britain - and they had the power to succeed.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52- Boudica's rebellion - was a great challenge.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55- The Roman order - was almost driven off the island.
0:47:57 > 0:47:58- Through its policy...
0:47:59 > 0:48:03- ..of persuading the tribal leaders - to cooperate with them...
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- ..the Roman order survived - for generations.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- They weren't always fair or just...
0:48:12 > 0:48:16- ..but they transformed - many aspects of people's lives.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22- The Romans left a collection - of fine buildings...
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- ..and examples - of great architecture and art.
0:48:25 > 0:48:30- You could argue that there was more - to the Roman heritage than that...
0:48:30 > 0:48:32- ..something intangible.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- Over centuries of governance...
0:48:36 > 0:48:41- ..the Romans left their mark on - Wales in so many different ways...
0:48:41 > 0:48:44- ..not only - the archaeological remains...
0:48:44 > 0:48:46- ..but their influence...
0:48:46 > 0:48:50- ..on our language, culture, - religion and trade.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52- How else did they influence us?
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- When the Romans invaded Britain...
0:48:55 > 0:48:59- ..the population consisted - of different tribes...
0:48:59 > 0:49:01- ..that regularly fought - each other.
0:49:02 > 0:49:08- By creating Britannia, the Romans - created the idea of Britain.
0:49:08 > 0:49:13- When the Anglo-Saxons conquered the - south and south-east of Britain...
0:49:13 > 0:49:17- ..the west remained a stronghold - of this new identity.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21- In the part of Britain - which became Wales...
0:49:21 > 0:49:25- ..the idea of belonging to more - than just one local tribe emerged.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- From there, regional and national - loyalty developed.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33- You could argue - that without the Romans...
0:49:33 > 0:49:35- ..there would be no Wales.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:50:07 > 0:50:08- .