What the Romans did for Us

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2 Cover
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[edit] General Information

History, Technology Documentary narrated by Adam Hart-Davis and published by BBC in 2000 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

This is it!! The end, or rather the beginning, of the "What the X" saga. This is where it all began - Adam's first foray, directly inspired by the Monty Python sequence from "The Life of Brian", into how the foundations of modern society were laid by the surprising cultural and technological achievements of the Roman empires.

[edit] The Life of Luxury

Roman Baths and Pumproom

This 2,000 year old Great Roman Temple enclosing a natural spring is one of Bath's foremost visitor attractions. The site of a cultish shrine to the Roman goddess, Sulis Minerva, it boasts a beautifully preserved bath, temple and pumproom.

Chesters Roman Fort, Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland

A well-preserved cavalry fort, complete with a bath house and which features an impressive museum. Original artefacts are on display.

[edit] Invasion

When the Roman army invaded Britain in force in the spring of AD 43, they brought with them technology that must have astonished the native Celts. To begin with the Roman weapons were far better - they had good swords, spears, and several machines to throw missiles.

Lunt Roman Fort, Warwickshire
Built on an archaeological site, this faithful reconstruction of a military complex includes a granary, ramparts and a museum of Roman artefacts.

[edit] Building Britain

Hart-Davis analyses the Romans' ingenious farming methods and looks at the creation of early towns. He visits York and discovers the remains of the Roman city and a Roman sewer that is still working.

Butser Ancient Farm
Described as 'an open air laboratory', this reconstructed Iron Age farm and settlement is an archaeological research project, investigating the ancient methods of Celtic farmers.

Housesteads Roman Fort

Britain's most intact Roman fort, all the more impressive for its clifftop location, built by Hadrian in the second century.

[edit] Arteries of the Empire

Hart-Davis analyses the Romans' ingenious surveying methods that enabled them to build their arrow-straight roads. He also commisions a replica of an ingenious giant water wheel used to remove water from flooded Welsh gold mines.

Richborough Roman Fort

The remains of a Roman fortification dating back to their first century landing, as well as a museum of Roman life.

[edit] Edge of Empire

Hart-Davis visits Hadrian's Wall and demonstrates how communications were the key to the success of the Roman military machine.

Vindolanda Fort, Hadrian's Wall

The remains of a Roman fort and settlement, with full-scale reconstructed buildings and an excellent museum. Excavations are in progress.

[edit] Ahead of their time

Adam Hart-Davis rediscovers the innovations and inventions brought by the Romans to Britain. In this edition, he examines the forms of entertainment laid on during the 176 days per year that were public holidays in Roman times. Featuring the hydraulis, the first ever keyboard instrument. Plus a look at how the Romans introduced concrete.

Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre, South Wales

Part of a Roman fortress complex in the ancient town of Caerleon, this circular site was once the setting for displays of gladiatorial combat and accommodated 6,000 spectators. Arthurian legend suggests it was the site of King Arthur's Round Table. Also features a museum and nearby remains of a bath-house and barracks.