Ep 3. Age of Cosmology

In the third episode of A History of Ancient Britain's first season, entitled Age of Cosmology, the series delves into the period of time spanning approximately 2400 - 2000 BCE. This is a time where Britain began to see an influx of new ideas and people from across the seas, resulting in a period of cosmological change as beliefs shifted from the old world views to new understandings and the introduction of completely new methods for conducting daily life.

The episode opens with an examination of the new beliefs and practices around death and the afterlife that rose during this time. The show highlights the use of early earthworks and mounds such as those found in Cairnpapple Hill, Scotland, and Maeshowe, Orkney as being indicative of new types of ritual activities associated with elite members of these societies. The theories behind these activities, as well as the importance placed on the concept of the afterlife as a stage of becoming for the individual spirit, are discussed at length throughout the episode.

The changes in beliefs were not solely limited to the death rituals and the afterlife, however. The show explores the widespread inclusion of a new type of pottery that was not only more practical for everyday life but also more stylish than the previous type of pottery. These ceramics were being imported from the continent and brought with them new styles and ideas that would influence artistic expression throughout Britain. Additionally, new architectural techniques were brought over that would have a major impact on the construction of homes in Britain. These new building designs often featured a structure on raised platforms, a unique structure that was largely foreign to the traditional design of the people.

Despite this, the show emphasizes that the rise of these new ideas and structures was not necessarily easy for the people of Britain. These architectural designs were often incredibly laborious to create and resources used were not always locally sourced. Additionally, some of the beliefs that were brought over with these structures were still not ideal to many of the people of Britain. The idea of the afterlife and the afterworld, for instance, was both new and challenging for many people who had previously believed in a completely different set of belief systems.

To better understand these new elements of society, A History of Ancient Britain visits several key locations throughout the episode including Stonehenge and Castlerigg, which are two prime examples of the introduction of new architectural designs and beliefs in Britain. By exploring these ancient sites, the show builds a better understanding of the creation and execution of these designs, as well as the driving forces behind their introduction to the British people.

Despite the fact that the period of the Age of Cosmology was marked by the introduction of many changes, the show does not shy away from discussing the impact of these changes on the people of Britain. The episode takes a close look at the effects of such changes on a societal level, examining the ways that the introduction of these new ideas and structures changed the lives of the people of Britain and how these changes ultimately shaped the development of British society.

Overall, Age of Cosmology marks a pivotal point in British history and offers a fascinating look into the advancements and changes that occurred during this time. From exploring the new beliefs regarding death and the afterlife, to the introduction of new architectural techniques and artistic expression, the episode highlights a period of dramatic change while also delving deep into the effects of these changes on the everyday lives of those living through them.