Watch The Normans

The Normans, a historical documentary from 2010, is a six-part series that explores the fascinating history of the Normans. Presented by Robert Bartlett, the show is an exciting journey through the history of this medieval group of people who left a lasting legacy in Europe.

The series begins with the story of Viking ruler Rollo, who was given land by the French king Charles the Simple in exchange for protecting France from other Viking raids. From there, the Normans went on to conquer southern Italy, Sicily, England, and parts of Wales and Scotland.

The show explores the impact the Normans had on the countries they conquered, with a particular focus on England. Bartlett delves into the history of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which saw William the Conqueror defeat the English army and become king of England. Through reenactments and interviews with historians, he paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to the battle and the aftermath of William the Conqueror's victory.

The Normans also explores the cultural impact the Normans had on the countries they conquered. The show looks at how the Normans influenced art, architecture, and religious practices in the countries they ruled. For example, Bartlett explains how the Normans were responsible for the construction of many beautiful cathedrals, such as Durham Cathedral in England.

One particularly fascinating aspect of the show is its discussion of the Norman impact on the English language. Bartlett explains how the Normans brought French to Anglo-Saxon England, and how this led to the development of the English we speak today. He explores the ways in which the two languages merged and the impact this had on the development of English vocabulary and grammar.

Throughout the series, Bartlett explores the personalities of some of the key figures in Norman history. He provides insight into the lives of famous Norman rulers such as William the Conqueror, Robert Guiscard, and Richard the Lionheart. The show also looks at the social aspects of Norman life, exploring what life was like for the ordinary people who lived under Norman rule.

The Normans is a visually stunning documentary series that brings this fascinating period in history to life. The show makes use of high-quality reenactments and beautiful cinematography to help the viewer understand the world of the Normans. Bartlett is an engaging and knowledgeable presenter who clearly has a passion for the subject matter.

Overall, The Normans is a must-watch for anyone interested in medieval European history, or anyone who enjoys a good historical documentary. With its engaging presentation style and insightful exploration of the Norman impact on European history, this series is an enjoyable and informative viewing experience.

The Normans is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between August 4, 2010 and on CuriosityStream