Silver Spring, MD — The captivating story of Britain’s first empire, The Roman Invasion of Britain debuts on DVD from Athena on October 5, 2010. The new, three-part documentary illuminates a little-known but pivotal period in British and Roman history. Through interviews with noted historians and meticulous reenactments, historian Bettany Hughes (When the Moors Ruled in Europe) presents the scheming politicians, beleaguered generals, and fiery revolutionaries who conquered and colonized Britain in the first century CE. The Roman Invasion of Britain premiered on the UK’s History Channel in July 2010 and has yet to air in the U.S. ($29.99, www.AthenaLearning.com).

Motivated by an emperor’s greed and political ambition, Rome added Britain to its empire in the first century CE, changing the land and its people forever. Bettany Hughes examines new research and the latest archaeological evidence to reveal the brutal realities of the Roman conquest. The series dramatizes important politicians, generals, and revolutionaries—including Queen Boudicca, the wronged woman who mobilized her people for a bloody and tragic revolt.

Packed with drama and detail, this absorbing series reveals how a nation sprang from 400 years of subjugation.

Episodes: Onslaught, Revolt, and Dominion

Oxford-educated author and historian Bettany Hughes has presented historical documentaries for the BBC, PBS, and the Discovery Channel. She serves on the Innovation Programs Committee of the U.K.’s National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. Acorn Media also released two other acclaimed documentaries from Hughes on DVD; When the Moors Ruled in Europe in June 2008 and The Minotaur’s Island in October 2008.

BONUS FEATURES

• 12-page viewer’s guide with timeline, questions to consider, history of Rome’s failed British invasions, background on Roman and Celtic weaponry, biography of Roman historian Tacitus, and an essay on daily life in ancient Britain
• Extended interviews with historians and bonus footage (14 min.)
• Biographies of major figures in the Roman conquest of Britain

Athena releases provide an authoritative and entertaining learning experience through high quality, informative, non-fiction programming. Athena’s releases include Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers, Playing Shakespeare, Hitler’s Bodyguard, The Story of Math, World War I in Color, Venice Revealed, Lost Kingdoms of Africa, Monarchy: The Complete Series, Testament, The Adventure of English, The Shape of the World, and Six Centuries of Verse. Clips are available at www.athenalearning.com. Athena’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.

Press Contact (screeners, box art/stills and interviews):
Chad Campbell, Acorn Media, 301.608.2115 ext. 138, ccampbell@acornmedia.com