Short version; Silly but fun.

Set in 43 AD with the invasion of the British Isle by the Roman 9th legion the Amazon original show Britannia should not be confused with history, but rather in the words of Peter Shaffer when speaking about his play Amadeus a ‘historical fantasy.’

When the commander of the 9th Legion, Aulus, (David Morrissey) invades with 20,000 troops, minus the three he executed for desertion, he finds the land of Britannia at war with itself. Various tribes bicker and war while bending knee to the mysterious religious leaders the Druids.

Very quickly it is established that there is a reality behind the Druid’s beliefs and abilities, so that pretty much tells you we are dealing with a fantasy story and not one masquerading as historical fiction.

The series currently has one season and my sweetie-wife and I are just a little over halfway through the episodes. We have our guesses about where the program is going and the anachronisms are sometimes amusing but we still enjoy the ride and it’s paying off so far. (Though my sweetie-wife has voiced a fear that the series may still go all Fortitude on us.) My favorite anachronisms so far, when a character is performing a pagan ritual and imploring their gods to ‘turn back the hands of time.’ Really? ‘Hands of time?’ I guess the writer doesn’t understand that phrase originates with clocks.

The program is produced in stunning 4K resolution with lovely location shooting in Eastern Europe.

If you turn off your history knowledge it is possible to enjoy the show.