This visually striking history series provides a vivid portrayal of the period when the Romans were masters of Britain.
In the three-part series Y Rhufeiniaid (The Romans), political correspondent Rhun ap Iorwerth looks at the period between 43 and 410 AD. During this time, Wales and Britain were on the western fringes of one of the most powerful empires in world history.
A century earlier, Julius Caesar himself had failed to conquer Britain. Why did Emperor Claudius decide to dispatch another army to this untamed island? This is one of the questions the series answers. With the help of dramatic reconstructions and the latest computer technology, Rhun takes us on an exciting, colourful journey through a critical period in the early history of Britain.
"The series is packed with tales of heroism about the leaders of the British tribes and the astute military nous of the Romans. It was great to learn more about heroes such as Caratacus and Boadicea and, as a native of Anglesey, I could take pride in the stand made by the island's druids in the face of Roman might," explains the presenter, who lives with his wife and three children in Llangristiolus on the island.
The first programme explains why and how the Romans came to Britain and succeeded in gradually occupying much of the land despite fierce opposition from native British tribes. Rhun shows how the invaders took advantage of tribal division to conquer and looks at the resistance offered by one warrior in particular, Caradog/Caratacus, who has since become a Welsh hero.
The second programme focuses on another heroic figure, Boadicea, leader of the Iceni tribe, who rose up against the Romans in 60 AD. We also see how the Romans built striking cities and towns such as Bath and, in South East Wales, Caerwent.
In the final programme, we find out more about the peaceful era of Roman Britain, the Pax Romana. During this period, Roman ingenuity came to the fore in the building of major military centres such as Caerleon and in gold exploration at Dolaucothi mines, Pumsaint.
© 2010 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales