BLACKLANDS: THE IRON AGE BRITS WHO WELCOMED THE FIRST ROMANS

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary delves into the intriguing possibility of coexistence between Iron Age Britons and the first Roman arrivals. Set in Somerset, the narrative explores a Roman villa whose occupation by local inhabitants, rather than invaders, challenges conventional historical understanding. The presence of an earlier Iron Age settlement on the same site is a captivating hypothesis, supported by archaeological evidence. The inclusion of Roman specialists John Creighton and Tom Moore, alongside Claire Ryley's authentic period garden, grounds the exploration in expert knowledge and historical reconstruction. While the film touches upon the societal dynamics of this transitional period, its true strength lies in posing questions about cultural integration and the lives of those who lived through this pivotal era of British history.