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Ancient British History

Welcome to the fascinating and mist-shrouded world of Ancient British History. The historian’s task is frustrating but exhilarating, deciphering old manuscripts, exploring Roman ruins, and following the trail of the elusive King Arthur. All these things are found herein–the columns explore Britain from the Bronze Age to the Norman Conquest. Come on and in and enjoy!

Druids: The Iron Rulers of the Celts

Equally close-mouthed and mysterious, the Druids were some of the most powerful people the world has ever known. They held an iron grip on...

What the Romans Left Behind: The Aqueducts

One of the chief challenges of the Roman Empire was how to provide for the continued extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous in...

The Weapons of War in Anglo-Saxon England

War was a way of life to the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who invaded and settled in Britain. They were fleeing the encroaching Romans,...

The Chariot: Ancient Britons’ Armored Personnel Carrier

One element of warfare in ancient Britain that doesn’t get much press these days is the use of the chariot in battle. The common...

Silbury Hill: Ancient Mound of Mystery

Another of the great prehistoric mysteries still with us in Britain is Silbury Hill, which is situated not far from the recently mentioned Avebury. Many...

Harald Hardrada: A New Iron Fist Arrives

In 1016, the same year that Canute invaded England and claimed the throne for himself, Harald Hardrada was born in Norway. (Actually, he didn’t...

What the Romans Found: The Belgae

The presence of the Belgae in southern Britain must have been small surprise to Julius Caesar. He had run up against them in his...

Mount Badon: Arthur’s Greatest Victory

The Saxons had been raging around the countryside for years. The Britons had been fighting them off as best they could, but the hordes...

Nennius and Arthur’s 12 Battles

Sometime in the 9th century (most scholars say c. 830), a monk named Nennius wrote the Historia Brittonum. This History of the Britons goes...

Mount Badon: The Importance of the High Ground

It doesn’t really matter what Mount Badon really was for the purposes of this discussion. Rather, it matters what it was. Mount Badon was a...