Includes bibliographical references (p. 313-323) and index.
Contents:
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.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.