King Arthur's Britain

In this captivating three-part documentary series, British archaeologist and bestselling author Francis Pryor advances a theory that challenges previously cherished beliefs about early British history during and after the Roman occupation. Based upon his book Britain A.D., the series begins with Pryor's assertions that the Roman "invasion" of Britain was actually a gradual colonization of "liberators"; that the native occupants of Britain were not subservient to the Romans, but in fact thrived and continued to evolve a sophisticated society under the Romans; and that the period following Roman withdrawal (410 to 597 A.D.) was not a "dark age" at all, but rather a "breeding ground of myths and legends" that gave rise to the heroic figure of King Arthur, a story rooted in the details of Bronze Age burial rites that continued well into the 14th century. By thoroughly examining contemporary archaeological studies, Pryor establishes a new history of Britain as one of vibrant continuity (as opposed to violent upheavals) in which religion, agriculture, and metallurgy all played significant roles—according to the many experts Pryor consults along the way—while British culture was strengthened and enriched by outside influences. The evidence presented is both compelling and visually dynamic (whenever appropriate, computer graphics are overlaid on existing landmarks and archaeological sites to show the layout of land and architecture as it probably looked in ages past), and the series overall is breathtakingly photographed, functioning as an enticing travelogue for would-be tourists as well as a concise and coherent presentation of Pryor's provocative historical overview. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (J. Shannon)