Folly and fortune in early British history: from Caesar to the Normans

Introduction: Humans, History, Folly and Fortune

The Roman eagle lands

Introduction

Caesar's first foray, 55 BC: foolish but fortunate?

Caesar tries his luck again, 54 BC

Who were the Britons?

The hundred years' respite

The Claudian invasion, AD 43: of emperors and elephants

Boudica and the revolt of AD 60: bold but botched?

Thereafter

Boudica in history

The continuing Roman presence

Why did things happen the way they did?

Conclusion

The Coming of the Pagans

Introduction

The Anglo-Saxon 'guests'

Vortigern the 'host': villain or scapegoat?

The English make themselves at home

The uninvited Vikings: bad boys or bad press?

Aethelred and the 'new wave' Vikings: poor king or poor luck?

Vikings rule

Why did things happen the way they did?

Conclusion

The Improbable Norman Conquest

Introduction

January 1066: contested succession, past deeds

Early February to early September: manoeuvrings

Mid to late September: the arrival of Hardraada and William

October and Hastings: human error or the fortunes of war?

After Hastings

Why did things happen the way they did?

Some observations on the personalities of the two main protagonists

Conclusion

Conclusion: So Just How Foolish or Fortunate Have We Been?

Appendix 1: The question of Arthur

Appendix 2: Timeline

Appendix 3: Chronology of kings and overlords of England from the Anglo-Saxon advent to the Norman Conquest.