From warrior queens to King Arthur, this epic collection explores the tribes, rulers and civilisations of Britain's Iron Age

In the first millennium BC, the Iron Age arrived in Britain, bringing with it huge technological and social changes. New civilisations arose, the landscape was transformed, and societies developed new cultures and lifestyles.

In this comprehensive collection, we take an in-depth look at Iron Age Britain and its inhabitants. The Essay: Unearthing Britannia's Tribes takes us on a 15-part 'woad trip' from the western reaches of Cornwall to the wilds of Scotland and Wales, as archaeologists, historians and writers reveal the peoples of ancient Albion and those who encountered them. We meet Queen Cartimandua, King Arthur, Boudicca, Pytheas and Lindow Man; hear the stories of the Cantiaci, the Demetae, the Durotriges and the Druids; and probe their myths, ideas and characters. Reaching journey's end, we learn how tribal Britain succumbed and was integrated into the Roman world. With the arrival of Caesar's armies, nothing would be the same again...

Bookending this fascinating series are three episodes from In Our Time, unpacking the context behind this pivotal period of history. In the first programme, Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the transition from Bronze to Iron and the dawning of the European Iron Age; while the second and third examine the legacy of both the prehistoric Celts and their ultimate conquerors, the Romans, analysing their lasting impact on Britain today.

Production credits

In Our Time presented by Melvyn Bragg

Produced by Thomas Morris

The Essay: Unearthing Britannia's Tribes presented by David Miles, Caradoc Peters, Melanie Giles, Nicki Howarth-Pollard, Menna Elfyn, Ilka Tampke, David Greig, Ron Hutton, Mandy Haggith, Miles Russell, Sarah Moss and Guy de la Bédoyère

Produced by Ellie Bury and Mark Burman

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (In Our Time) and BBC Radio 3 (The Essay) on the following dates:

Part I: Context

In Our Time: The Iron Age 24 March 2011

With Barry Cunliffe, Sue Hamilton and Timothy Champion

Part II: Unearthing Britannia's Tribes

The Cantiaci 17 January 2022

Cornwall 18 January 2022

The Parisi 19 January 2022

Queen Cartimandua & the Brigantes 20 January 2022

The Demetae 21 January 2022

Boudicca-Warrior Queen 24 January 2022

The Maeatae 25 January 2022

In Search of The Druids 26 January 2022

Pytheas and the Iron Sea 27 January 2022

Arthur Begins 28 January 2022

Lindow Man 14 February 2022

The Roman Orbit 15 February 2022

The Atrebates 16 February 2022

The Durotriges 17 February 2022

Maidens, Matriarchs and Crones 18 February 2022

Part III: Iron Age Culture

In Our Time: The Celts 21 February 2002

With Barry Cunliffe, Alistair Moffat and Miranda Aldhouse Green

Part IV: Roman Invasion and Occupation

In Our Time: Roman Britain 1 May 2003

With Greg Woolf, Mary Beard and Catharine Edwards