About The Roman Invasion of Britain
In 55 BC, Rome had its sights set on Britain. Across two attempts, a huge invasion force led by one of the greatest miltary leaders in history, Julius Caesar, landed in Kent. Eventually he would break through and conquer the southern heart of the island. It had not been an easy task. In his first attempt to conquer Britain, Caesar took with him only two legions, and achieved little beyond a landing on the coast of Kent. His force was heavily contested as soon as it landed on the beaches near Dover and had only managed to break inland through a combination of grit, determination and advanced military weapons and tactics. Caesar's second invasion consisted of 628 ships, five legions and 2,000 cavalry. The force was so imposing that the Britons did not dare contest Caesar's landing in Kent, waiting instead until he began to move inland. Caesar's force penetrated into Middlesex and crossing the Thames, forcing the British warlord Cassivellaunus to surrender as a tributary to Rome. Yet the great Caesar did not stay in Britain long. Instead, he
The Roman Invasion of Britain is presented by History Hit. Its listed runtime is 64 minutes. The source link and publisher attribution are provided with the embedded film.
As a society documentary, The Roman Invasion of Britain uses roman, invasion, britain as its central frame. Social documentaries work best as invitations to examine systems through lived experience. Distinguish individual testimony from wider claims, and consider which institutions, incentives and inequalities shape the choices shown.
What to consider before watching
- What evidence, testimony or observation does the film use to explain roman, invasion, britain?
- Which people, institutions or historical conditions most influence the story told in The Roman Invasion of Britain?
- How does History Hit's framing affect the documentary's emphasis, and which perspectives may deserve further research?
Topics covered in this documentary
Documentary details and original source
- Title
- The Roman Invasion of Britain
- Category
- Society
- Runtime
- 64 minutes
- Language
- English
- Publisher
- History Hit
Free Documentary Vault provides independent discovery, organization and editorial context. The film remains hosted by its original publisher, who controls availability and playback.
Related Society documentaries
Imagine, it’s the mid-1800s. Since the end of the Napoleonic Wars, peace between Britain and France had been secured for close to half a century. And yet, for the English, the threat of an imminent invasion across the channel never seemed too far-fetched. That’s why thousands of ‘navvies’ and later volunteers, engineers, artillerymen and army officers, were summoned in 1860 to build and occupy gigantic forts along the south coast of England should the dreaded day arrive when French ships emerged on the horizon… Over 70 polygonal strongholds would be built or upgraded as part of a commission in 1859 instigated by prime minister Lord Palmerston, who shared the anxieties of most of Britain’s Naval and Military Commanders - that Britain was rapidly falling behind foreign powers, and would be unable to defend itself from an attempted invasion. The fortresses, known as ‘Palmerston Forts’, stretched across the United Kingdom, mainly in strategically important coastal areas. Each would cost the treasury an enormous amount of money, require a significant labour force to construct and a large group of military volunteers to
History HitCould You Survive A Napoleonic Invasion In A Victorian Coastal Fort?
Julius Caesar is the man who forever changed the Roman Empire, turning it from a republic into a system presided over by one man. Follow the rise and fall of one of the ancient world's most controversial figures. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.
Odyssey - Ancient History DocumentariesJulius Caesar: The Man Who Tore Down The Roman Republic | Great Lives | Odyssey
How close was D-Day to being called off? How did the Allies deceive the Germans? Was Omaha beach that bloody? Dan Snow and D-Day expert Stephen Fisher discuss the nail-biting 72 hours before and during D-Day - the largest seaborne invasion in history. This episode was made in partnership with STUDIOCANAL UK for their new film PRESSURE which tells this incredible untold story of Group Captain James Stagg, the man who delivered the most important weather forecast of all time. 'Pressure' is out in UK and Ireland cinemas Wednesday 9th September. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more. History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™
History HitD-Day: The Final 72 Hours | As It Happened
Join woodsman and survival expert Ray Mears as he embarks on a unique journey to uncover the truth behind one of Britain’s most enduring legends: Robin Hood. Blending his totally unique knowledge of wilderness skills with a passion for history, Ray explores the landscapes, forests, and historical records that have shaped the myth of the heroic outlaw. From Sherwood’s ancient oak to a document hidden in a medieval castle library, he examines the evidence for the man behind the legend, asking whether Robin was a real figure, a combination of a number of people, or a timeless symbol of justice. To help him on his quest Ray has enlisted the help of a team of experts and some close friends who can help bring to life the harsh realities of medieval life and highlight the real history that is contained within the tale of Robin Hood. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented
History HitRobin Hood, Fact or Fiction?
Dan is joined by author, broadcaster and historian Professor Alice Roberts to examine how Christianity out-organised and outlasted the Roman Empire. Around 50 CE, a small group of travellers began to preach that a Jewish man, crucified by the Romans, had risen from the dead. Teaching love, forgiveness and eternal life, this new faith quickly gained followers. By the early fourth century, it was thriving, and over the next hundred years, it exploded, spreading across the entire Roman Empire before becoming its official religion. What enabled it to take such a strong hold so quickly and so steadfastly? Produced by James Hickmann and Mariana Des Forges, and edited by Matthew Wilson and Dougal Patmore. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.
History HitAlice Roberts On The Origins of Christianity
Hero in war. Villain in peace? Historian Kevin Ruane answers your questions about Winston Churchill, the two-time Prime Minister celebrated for leading Britain through the Second World War, yet still one of the most controversial figures in modern British history. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.
History Hit