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. The book proceeds chronologically through 400 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 Boudicca: 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