What the Romans Did for Us

Season 1

What the Romans Did for Us, is a 2000 BBC documentary series "looking at the innovations and inventions brought to Britain by the Romans". The title of the programme is derived from the cult movie Monty Python's Life of Brian, referencing the famous scene where the People's Front of Judea discuss "What have the Romans done for us?"

Where to Watch Season 1

6 Episodes

Life of Luxury
E1
Life of LuxuryHart-Davis investigates the lavish lifestyles of the Romans, visiting the sumptuous villa at Fishbourne, West Sussex, the famous bath complex in Bath and enjoying Roman cuisine.
Invasion
E2
InvasionWhen the Roman army invaded Britain in force in the spring of AD 43, they brought with them technology that must have astonished the native Celts. To begin with the Roman weapons were far better - they had good swords, spears, and several machines to throw missiles.
Building Britain
E3
Building BritainHart-Davis analyses the Romans' ingenious farming methods and looks at the creation of early towns. He visits York and discovers the remains of the Roman city and a Roman sewer that is still working.
Arteries of the Empire
E4
Arteries of the EmpireHart-Davis analyses the Romans' ingenious surveying methods that enabled them to build their arrow-straight roads. He also commisions a replica of an ingenious giant water wheel used to remove water from flooded Welsh gold mines.
Edge of Empire
E5
Edge of EmpireHart-Davis visits Hadrian's Wall and demonstrates how communications were the key to the success of the Roman military machine.
Ahead of their Time
E6
Ahead of their TimeAdam Hart-Davis rediscovers the innovations and inventions brought by the Romans to Britain. In this edition, he examines the forms of entertainment laid on during the 176 days per year that were public holidays in Roman times. Featuring the hydraulis, the first ever keyboard instrument. Plus a look at how the Romans introduced concrete.