Screening Roman Britain

Film and Television between Myth and History

This book is the first systematic study examining depictions of Roman Britain in fictional film and television, exploring the varying interpretations of the rich history and myths that emerge from the clash of cultures between Romans and Britons.

This book is the first systematic study examining depictions of Roman Britain in fictional film and television, exploring the varying interpretations of the rich history and myths that emerge from the clash of cultures between Romans and Britons.

The book proceeds chronologically through four hundred years of Roman occupation, starting with the Claudian invasion in ad 43 as featured in the television drama Britannia, before examining numerous works on Boudica’s rebellion (Warrior Queen; Boudica: Warrior Queen and Boudica: Queen of War). It then investigates the period of settlement and Northern conflicts in the second century ad as reflected in the comedy show Chelmsford 123 and the recent films Centurion and The Eagle. The final chapter considers Rome’s influence on the most enduring of British myths – Arthurian legend – as illustrated in films like King Arthur, The Last Legion, Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot and other recent works. On its route through history, the book examines how these works have interwoven contemporary concerns into their ancient worlds. As the book demonstrates, Roman Britain has left lasting traces in our culture. Exploring its representation on screen offers valuable insights into these traces and addresses questions about national identity, colonialism, multiculturalism and the mythologising of history.

This volume provides a fascinating study of Roman Britain on screen, of interest to students and scholars of classical reception, film and television, and history, as well as those with an interest in representation and the cultural significance and contemporary relevance of early colonial narratives.

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