Insights Into History: Episode 13 "Prelude to Hastings" (AUDIO)

This episode rewinds the centuries before October 14, 1066 to show how Roman conquest, Celtic resistance, the empire's slow withdrawal, the rise of Anglo‑Saxon kingdoms, Viking invasions, Alfred’s burhs, dynastic marriages, and fragile successions all stacked together to make Hastings possible.

Rather than a sudden break, the episode frames 1066 as the collision point of long, messy processes—betrayals, bargains, exile, and warfare—ending season one and setting up season two’s deeper stories.