Introduction: Humans, History, Folly and Fortune
The Roman eagle lands
Introduction
Caesar's first foray, 55 BC: foolish but fortunate?
Caesar tries his luck again, 54 BC
Who were the Britons?
The hundred years' respite
The Claudian invasion, AD 43: of emperors and elephants
Boudica and the revolt of AD 60: bold but botched?
Thereafter
Boudica in history
The continuing Roman presence
Why did things happen the way they did?
Conclusion
The Coming of the Pagans
Introduction
The Anglo-Saxon 'guests'
Vortigern the 'host': villain or scapegoat?
The English make themselves at home
The uninvited Vikings: bad boys or bad press?
Aethelred and the 'new wave' Vikings: poor king or poor luck?
Vikings rule
Why did things happen the way they did?
Conclusion
The Improbable Norman Conquest
Introduction
January 1066: contested succession, past deeds
Early February to early September: manoeuvrings
Mid to late September: the arrival of Hardraada and William
October and Hastings: human error or the fortunes of war?
After Hastings
Why did things happen the way they did?
Some observations on the personalities of the two main protagonists
Conclusion
Conclusion: So Just How Foolish or Fortunate Have We Been?
Appendix 1: The question of Arthur
Appendix 2: Timeline
Appendix 3: Chronology of kings and overlords of England from the Anglo-Saxon advent to the Norman Conquest.