By examining the mysterious figure of King Arthur, British archaeologist and bestselling author Francis Pryor disputes the belief that Britain reverted to anarchy after the Romans left in 410 A.D., sinking into the Dark Ages until the Anglo-Saxon invaders restored order. The truth, he says, is far more complicated. In this three-part series, he uncovers the continuous culture that was not destroyed by outside invaders, but rather strengthened by them. Travel with him as he makes ancient history come alive at the scenes of bloody battles and key archaeological sites that reveal the clues to this new view of early Britain.

The legend of King Arthur is one of the most evocative stories in British mythology. We think of the romantic King, with his beautiful wife Guinevere by his side and the trusty sword Excalibur in his hand. The truth, we discover, is very different. The story was written in the medieval period but it was set hundreds of years earlier - in the Dark Ages. The programme finds evidence that a real 6th Century warlord actually did exist, and that many of the most famous chapters of the story - such as the round table, the sword in the stone, Camelot - may well have been inspired by real places and events. Hosted by Richard Harris.