Tristan Hughes

It's great.

Yes.

And I guess the big question, first of all, does the story of Hadrian's Wall, does it end when the story of Roman Britain ends?

No.

But it's a fascinating story, isn't it?

The enigmatic tale of what happens to these communities along the length of Hadrian's Wall after the official period of Roman Britain ends.

Because exactly, quite a lot of people would think if someone mentions 5th century AD Britain, you'll be thinking things like King Arthur or the Dark Ages, a really difficult time.

So to learn more about this, is archaeology our best friend?

And I guess the forts along Hadrian's Wall are a great focal point for learning more about that transitional period.

In this particular area in Britain, in a heavily fortified area as well, what is always seen as the border zone between what the Romans would say is civilization and then the barbarians, the Picts, and so on beyond.

Absolutely.

So this great barrier that has been there for eternity or that kind of thought idea, is it?

in a period of retreat.

So his idea is that the Romans leave Britain, but they leave a parting gift of this big frontier, of this big barrier.

Exactly that.

But this is very much a teaser and a half.

And also, I love that how right at the start of the answer, we kind of dismiss Gildas for saying, oh, it's obviously wrong.

But actually, when you delve deeper into the story, being like, but actually, is there some kernel, some basis of truth that we can bring away from it?

So I love that kind of multi-layered.

Exactly that.