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[narrator] the roman empire,
2
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The ancient world's
most unstoppable force.
3
00:00:07,490 --> 00:00:11,115
Now, a new discovery
reveals the secret weapon
4
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Unleashed in rome's
merciless pursuit of power.
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When you have an emperor
who needs a big victory,
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You want to make sure that
the result is assured.
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If you think you're
safe, you're wrong.
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[narrator] vicious,
unrelenting assaults
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Waged with cutting edge
lethal technology.
10
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Look at the power of that.
Skewed it right through.
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Yeah, a skull splitter!
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[narrator] carefully
calculated terror.
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[hannah-marie] sound creates
a panic, anxiety.
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It signals that something
terrible is about to happen.
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[narrator] and led
by the empire's
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Most ruthless commanders.
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I don't think we can
conceive of the terror
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That the people here felt
as this was unfolding.
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[narrator] now, ground-breaking
forensic archeology
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And experimental engineering
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Are revealing the vicious
killing machine
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And brutal tactics on which
the roman empire was built.
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They want to show their power,
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Their strategy,
their technology.
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It's a way of the romans
sending a message.
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This was a massacre.
This was mass slaughter.
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[dramatic music]
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[narrator] the relics
of the past hold secrets.
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Written in gold,
stone, and blood.
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We can unlock them.
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These are the secrets of
history's greatest treasures.
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Hadrian's wall,
northern britain.
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Stretching from coast to coast,
dividing the country in two.
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This was the hard border
that separated roman britain
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From the rebellious
iron age tribes
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Who roamed the lands
to the north.
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[hannah-marie] hadrian's wall
was exceptional.
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It is the only extensive
fixed boundary in the empire.
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And it still stands today
as an icon of roman power.
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[narrator] commissioned by
emperor hadrian in 122 ad,
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The vast, heavily fortified wall
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Was completed in just six years.
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Once operational, 8,000 roman
soldiers manned its defenses,
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Armed and ready to protect
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The empire's most northerly
frontier at whatever cost.
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It's a message to both his
citizens of rome and his army,
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But also everybody else
outside looking in.
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That's the wall. That's the
boundary. That's the edge.
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If you want to cross this,
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You have to have
my permission to do so.
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[narrator] but now,
a remarkable discovery
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In a battlefield
in northern britain
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Is revealing the brutal lengths
rome was prepared to go to.
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A weapon more accurate
and more deadly
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Than any other in
the ancient world.
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A terrifying killing
machine designed
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To stamp out resistance
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And pave the way for
rome's total domination.
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Burnswark, a remote outcrop
in southern scotland.
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In 2015, an archeological
investigation
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Reveals evidence of a
2,000-year-old battle
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Between the iron age
britons and the roman army.
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Hidden beneath the soil, a vast
array of ballistic weaponry.
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Lethal lead sling bullets.
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[andrew] these things will break
limbs, they will shatter ribs.
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But the actual shockwave
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That's passed by one
of these hitting you
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Could well simply
stop your heart.
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[narrator] deadly
sandstone missiles.
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00:04:08,990 --> 00:04:12,395
These are the quintessential
anti-personnel weapon.
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They're for damaging
limbs, heads.
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Very, very dangerous weapon.
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[narrator] and
terror-inducing projectiles.
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[john] the big ones
will kill you
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Without you even knowing
that they're even coming.
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00:04:26,510 --> 00:04:29,915
But the little ones will force
you to keep your head down.
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[narrator] the new
discovery shows
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A very different type
of roman warfare,
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Forgotten by history.
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Rather than swords and spears,
these ballistic artifacts
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Were key to rome's success
on the battlefield.
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The ancient equivalent
of modern bullet casings
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And high-powered ammo.
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But what's puzzling is why
they've been discovered here,
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Because burnswark was
outside the roman empire,
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10 miles north of
hadrian's wall.
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And, at the time of the attack,
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The wall had been in
place for over 10 years.
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Romanist john reid believes
the archeological evidence
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From an ancient structure on
the summit of burnswark hill
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Could provide a clue.
92
00:05:21,550 --> 00:05:24,635
Hillforts were frequently built
on the highest point around
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Giving the widest
view of the area.
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They're usually
heavily defended,
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They've got ditches and
ramparts all the way around.
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This one had triple
ditches on the south side.
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That is the side that
is easiest to assault.
98
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So they were quite
clearly making sure
99
00:05:40,030 --> 00:05:42,042
The defenses were
strongest there.
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[narrator] rising
up to 300 meters
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Above the surrounding terrain,
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Burnswark hill offered
the greatest natural defense
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North of hadrian's wall.
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00:05:53,950 --> 00:05:55,755
But the archeological
evidence reveals
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It was more than just a fort.
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[john] people were living here,
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There would have been places
for the children to play.
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So you're looking
at a population up
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Here of two thousand
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Maybe two and a half
thousand people.
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And at a time of great crisis
112
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That number would swell
to maybe three times that.
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[narrator] for the local tribes,
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Burnswark would have
seemed impregnable.
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But the roman army
managed to bombard it
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With thousands of
deadly projectiles.
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00:06:25,190 --> 00:06:27,635
Now, nearly two
thousand years on,
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00:06:27,710 --> 00:06:30,315
Archeology is
revealing the firepower
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Rome had at its disposal,
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And the tactics used to
assault the native stronghold.
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These marks on the
landscape below the hillfort
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Are the hallmarks of a vast
roman military camp.
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Its size reveals that
up to 4,000 soldiers
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Took up position beneath
the southern slopes.
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While another 2,000
men were positioned
126
00:06:58,477 --> 00:07:01,275
Directly behind the
fort in a second camp,
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Surrounding the
ancient settlement.
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00:07:04,870 --> 00:07:08,682
There is some sense of
foreboding about this hilltop.
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00:07:09,917 --> 00:07:11,475
So what was going on?
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Why is this hillfort held
in the vice-like grip
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Of these two
massive roman camps?
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[narrator] now the remains
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Of one heavily
corroded projectile
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Unearthed at burnswark
may provide an answer.
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This piece came from
the excavation trench
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00:07:31,117 --> 00:07:32,955
Up against the rampart.
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It was in at an angle
wedged between two stones.
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[narrator] originally
thought to be the remains
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00:07:40,077 --> 00:07:42,515
Of an iron arrowhead,
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00:07:42,590 --> 00:07:46,442
An x-ray scan reveals it was
something far more deadly.
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[andrew] we can see the point,
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And we can see the socket
at the other end
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Where the shaft would
have been affixed to it.
144
00:07:54,990 --> 00:08:00,075
And inside you can actually
see the square section
145
00:08:00,110 --> 00:08:03,835
Of the tapering point
that will be designed
146
00:08:03,870 --> 00:08:08,515
To be able to penetrate
armor as well as flesh.
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00:08:08,590 --> 00:08:11,202
[narrator] this precision bolt
could only have been fired
148
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From a very special piece
of tactical artillery.
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00:08:15,950 --> 00:08:17,915
It reveals the
roman army was using
150
00:08:17,950 --> 00:08:20,682
The ancient equivalent
of an assault rifle.
151
00:08:22,750 --> 00:08:24,955
And experts suspect
the secret weapon
152
00:08:25,030 --> 00:08:28,715
That launched it was
the manuballista.
153
00:08:28,750 --> 00:08:31,275
But until now,
very few fragments
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00:08:31,310 --> 00:08:34,522
Of rome's ultimate killing
machine have ever been found.
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00:08:36,637 --> 00:08:39,435
The presence of the
lethal bolt tip suggests
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The manuballista
played a key role
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In the attack on burnswark.
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And, if historical accounts
of other roman campaigns
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Are to be believed,
the local britons
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Wouldn't have stood a chance.
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[darius] procopius records
in the gothic wars,
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At one point, the goths,
outside the solaria gates,
163
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Are attacking the city,
164
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And one of these
ballista is so powerful
165
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That a bolt shot from the
gates of rome at the enemy,
166
00:09:08,590 --> 00:09:10,515
Literally pierces
through the armor
167
00:09:10,590 --> 00:09:14,515
Of a goth and transfix
him right to a pine tree.
168
00:09:14,590 --> 00:09:17,635
So this graphic detail
is giving us an idea
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00:09:17,710 --> 00:09:22,515
Of how powerful these
weapons of war actually were.
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[narrator] evidence of
rome's most feared weapon,
171
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Along with thousands of soldiers
172
00:09:27,550 --> 00:09:30,395
And hundreds of other
deadly ballistics,
173
00:09:30,430 --> 00:09:32,002
Suggests the attack on burnswark
174
00:09:32,077 --> 00:09:36,875
Was both carefully
planned and executed.
175
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The only outcome:
A merciless annihilation
176
00:09:40,590 --> 00:09:43,802
Of thousands of men,
women and children.
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00:09:45,390 --> 00:09:48,555
So what does this strange
site in scotland reveal
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00:09:48,590 --> 00:09:52,715
About ancient rome's
determination to rule the world?
179
00:09:52,750 --> 00:09:56,402
And how did their
secret weapon help?
180
00:09:56,477 --> 00:09:59,842
[john] this was a massacre,
this was mass slaughter.
181
00:10:02,110 --> 00:10:04,515
[narrator] new archeological
discoveries have revealed
182
00:10:04,590 --> 00:10:08,675
That the roman army had
developed a secret weapon.
183
00:10:08,750 --> 00:10:12,075
The manuballista,
ancient rome's equivalent
184
00:10:12,110 --> 00:10:14,515
Of an assault rifle.
185
00:10:14,590 --> 00:10:18,722
Now a 1,900-year-old
battlefield in southern scotland
186
00:10:18,797 --> 00:10:22,795
Is revealing the roman
army's military tactics.
187
00:10:22,830 --> 00:10:25,595
And the role their
secret weapon played
188
00:10:25,630 --> 00:10:29,675
In their merciless quest
for global domination.
189
00:10:29,710 --> 00:10:32,155
You would have had
absolute mayhem here
190
00:10:32,190 --> 00:10:34,235
With men, women and children,
191
00:10:34,244 --> 00:10:37,195
Animals all packed into
a very tight space.
192
00:10:37,230 --> 00:10:38,995
It would have been
absolute butchery
193
00:10:39,070 --> 00:10:40,882
And nobody would
have stood a chance.
194
00:10:42,710 --> 00:10:44,515
[narrator] historical
records from the time
195
00:10:44,590 --> 00:10:47,355
Suggest the manuballista
was the most accurate
196
00:10:47,390 --> 00:10:50,362
And deadly weapon
in the roman army's arsenal.
197
00:10:52,830 --> 00:10:55,595
But the archeological
evidence of how it worked,
198
00:10:55,630 --> 00:10:58,682
And why it was so
feared, is scarce.
199
00:11:01,790 --> 00:11:05,202
Fortunately, 1,500 miles
from scotland,
200
00:11:05,277 --> 00:11:08,315
In the very heart
of the roman empire,
201
00:11:08,350 --> 00:11:11,202
There's a clue as to
how the manuballista
202
00:11:11,277 --> 00:11:12,642
May have been used.
203
00:11:14,590 --> 00:11:16,002
[darius] this is
trajan's column.
204
00:11:16,077 --> 00:11:17,915
This is one of
the most magnificent
205
00:11:17,950 --> 00:11:20,475
And well-preserved monuments
from ancient roman times.
206
00:11:20,510 --> 00:11:22,635
It dates to
the second century ad
207
00:11:22,670 --> 00:11:24,402
And narrates the battles fought
208
00:11:24,477 --> 00:11:29,035
And won by trajan from 102
to 106 against the datians.
209
00:11:29,070 --> 00:11:30,995
That's modern-day romania.
210
00:11:31,070 --> 00:11:33,642
[tense music]
211
00:11:37,150 --> 00:11:39,675
It literally is
a textbook example
212
00:11:39,710 --> 00:11:43,675
Of how romans fought their
war, waged their war,
213
00:11:43,710 --> 00:11:45,115
Built their military
encampments,
214
00:11:45,150 --> 00:11:47,682
Foraged for food,
destroyed the enemy.
215
00:11:49,630 --> 00:11:51,155
[narrator] as well as
gruesome depictions
216
00:11:51,230 --> 00:11:53,195
Of death and butchery,
217
00:11:53,230 --> 00:11:56,675
The 38-meter-high column
also reveals the weaponry
218
00:11:56,750 --> 00:11:59,882
Used by the roman army
in major campaigns.
219
00:12:01,710 --> 00:12:06,402
In five separate scenes, roman
soldiers can clearly be seen
220
00:12:06,477 --> 00:12:09,002
Manning a highly
distinctive catapult.
221
00:12:10,670 --> 00:12:13,635
How it's depicted on
the frieze indicates
222
00:12:13,710 --> 00:12:16,315
That it's rather small,
even mobile it seems.
223
00:12:16,350 --> 00:12:20,235
In one instance it's actually
located inside a wagon.
224
00:12:20,270 --> 00:12:22,235
It has this aura about it,
225
00:12:22,244 --> 00:12:25,635
Some kind of sophisticated
mechanism that's involved
226
00:12:25,710 --> 00:12:28,642
In hurling projectiles
at the enemy.
227
00:12:29,710 --> 00:12:31,635
[narrator] experts now agree
228
00:12:31,710 --> 00:12:33,635
The portable weapon
in the carvings
229
00:12:33,710 --> 00:12:35,962
Is the elusive manuballista.
230
00:12:37,670 --> 00:12:40,155
It's hard evidence
that the roman army
231
00:12:40,190 --> 00:12:41,675
Was using the killing machine
232
00:12:41,710 --> 00:12:44,762
20 years before their
attack on burnswark.
233
00:12:46,317 --> 00:12:48,635
But even earlier images
of the manuballista
234
00:12:48,710 --> 00:12:50,162
Have now been found.
235
00:12:52,750 --> 00:12:55,922
These drawings could
help reveal how it works.
236
00:12:57,630 --> 00:13:00,955
But they weren't
produced by the romans.
237
00:13:00,990 --> 00:13:04,195
They were found in a manuscript
dated to the first century
238
00:13:04,270 --> 00:13:08,955
Written by the ancient
greek inventor, hero.
239
00:13:08,990 --> 00:13:11,835
[darius] it's like getting the
instructions to a model.
240
00:13:11,870 --> 00:13:13,275
This is a great resource.
241
00:13:13,310 --> 00:13:16,315
I mean, you have a
written description
242
00:13:16,350 --> 00:13:18,075
And you have some
of the imagery.
243
00:13:18,150 --> 00:13:20,875
We are seeing the same
basic components.
244
00:13:20,910 --> 00:13:23,115
We have that arch in the front.
245
00:13:23,150 --> 00:13:26,115
We had these two kind
of silos or towers.
246
00:13:26,190 --> 00:13:30,562
And those components match
what we see on trajan's column.
247
00:13:32,270 --> 00:13:33,355
[narrator] the ancient drawings
248
00:13:33,390 --> 00:13:36,155
Clearly show the manuballista.
249
00:13:36,190 --> 00:13:38,722
And reveal vital
components not visible
250
00:13:38,797 --> 00:13:41,635
In the stone carvings.
251
00:13:41,710 --> 00:13:44,562
But they don't show
how they fit together.
252
00:13:46,404 --> 00:13:48,875
You turn the page and
there's no conclusion.
253
00:13:48,910 --> 00:13:52,242
So ultimately you could
say it falls short,
254
00:13:52,317 --> 00:13:53,675
But it's still giving us
255
00:13:53,710 --> 00:13:56,282
A lot of information
about this device.
256
00:13:58,550 --> 00:14:00,002
[narrator] originally,
the manuballista
257
00:14:00,077 --> 00:14:02,715
Was a greek invention.
258
00:14:02,750 --> 00:14:06,562
Decades later the designs found
their way into roman hands,
259
00:14:06,637 --> 00:14:09,835
And were put to lethal effect.
260
00:14:09,870 --> 00:14:13,595
Can discovering exactly how
the manuballista worked,
261
00:14:13,630 --> 00:14:15,675
And putting it to the test,
262
00:14:15,684 --> 00:14:20,635
Explain why it was so prized
as a weapon by the roman army,
263
00:14:20,670 --> 00:14:22,842
And feared by their enemies?
264
00:14:26,430 --> 00:14:29,682
Now roman artillery
expert, alan wilkins,
265
00:14:29,757 --> 00:14:34,482
And engineer, len morgan, have
teamed up to do just that.
266
00:14:36,190 --> 00:14:39,035
Using all the available
historical sources,
267
00:14:39,070 --> 00:14:42,075
Including pieces like
the burnswark bolt,
268
00:14:42,110 --> 00:14:45,275
They've painstakingly pieced
together all the evidence
269
00:14:45,310 --> 00:14:48,555
To reproduce a 21st
century version
270
00:14:48,590 --> 00:14:50,795
Of the roman killing machine.
271
00:14:50,830 --> 00:14:53,035
It's a bit of a jigsaw
to get it all together.
272
00:14:53,044 --> 00:14:55,515
But there's only
one way to find out
273
00:14:55,524 --> 00:14:57,115
How any of these machines work,
274
00:14:57,150 --> 00:15:01,675
And that is to build them
and then to test them.
275
00:15:01,710 --> 00:15:04,515
[narrator] the individual,
precision-engineered parts
276
00:15:04,590 --> 00:15:08,235
Allow the weapon to
be easily transported.
277
00:15:08,244 --> 00:15:11,922
But when slotted together they
create a strong metal frame.
278
00:15:14,150 --> 00:15:18,522
The curved arch acts as a sight,
giving pinpoint accuracy.
279
00:15:20,430 --> 00:15:22,315
While the weapon's
firepower comes
280
00:15:22,350 --> 00:15:27,035
From two spring-loaded
arms which ratchet back,
281
00:15:27,070 --> 00:15:28,722
Creating enough stored tension
282
00:15:28,797 --> 00:15:32,802
To fire a heavy iron bolt
with lightning speed.
283
00:15:36,190 --> 00:15:38,882
What we've achieved with
this, what we've produced,
284
00:15:38,957 --> 00:15:42,882
Would be instantly recognizable
to a roman artilleryman.
285
00:15:42,957 --> 00:15:45,155
He might say,
"well, nice try lads
286
00:15:45,230 --> 00:15:46,722
But you've got this
little bit wrong,"
287
00:15:46,797 --> 00:15:48,635
Or something like that,
but generally speaking
288
00:15:48,670 --> 00:15:50,635
Working to the
dimensions that we have,
289
00:15:50,670 --> 00:15:53,355
The information that we have,
the archeological finds,
290
00:15:53,390 --> 00:15:56,155
We've produced a machine
that a roman artilleryman
291
00:15:56,230 --> 00:15:59,675
Would recognize
and be able to use.
292
00:15:59,684 --> 00:16:02,875
[narrator] this is
the closest in 1,600 years
293
00:16:02,910 --> 00:16:06,722
Anyone has come to creating
an authentic manuballista.
294
00:16:08,637 --> 00:16:12,795
Voila! The manuballista
es parata...
295
00:16:12,870 --> 00:16:15,675
The manuballista is ready.
296
00:16:15,710 --> 00:16:17,595
[narrator] but will
testing it reveal
297
00:16:17,630 --> 00:16:22,195
Why it took on such
a mythical status?
298
00:16:22,270 --> 00:16:26,482
And the key role it played in
the annihilation of burnswark?
299
00:16:27,917 --> 00:16:30,835
The army was bringing
with them equipment
300
00:16:30,910 --> 00:16:34,675
That the natives would
not have seen before.
301
00:16:34,750 --> 00:16:39,275
This was a site of
a major military exercise.
302
00:16:39,350 --> 00:16:41,562
This had imperial backing.
303
00:16:45,550 --> 00:16:47,635
[narrator] 1,900 years ago,
304
00:16:47,710 --> 00:16:49,755
The roman army
descended in force
305
00:16:49,790 --> 00:16:53,595
On a remote hillfort in what
is now southern scotland.
306
00:16:53,670 --> 00:16:56,155
[dramatic music]
307
00:16:56,190 --> 00:16:57,595
They brought with them
308
00:16:57,630 --> 00:17:00,635
Their most advanced
tactical artillery.
309
00:17:00,670 --> 00:17:03,435
A high-powered,
precision catapult
310
00:17:03,470 --> 00:17:06,075
Called the manuballista.
311
00:17:06,110 --> 00:17:09,515
So what was going on at
burnswark for the roman empire
312
00:17:09,550 --> 00:17:12,282
To bring out their most
sophisticated weapon?
313
00:17:13,950 --> 00:17:15,842
At the time of the attack
314
00:17:15,917 --> 00:17:18,115
The furthest edge
of the roman empire
315
00:17:18,190 --> 00:17:22,682
Stopped 10 miles south,
at hadrian's wall.
316
00:17:24,004 --> 00:17:27,635
Hadrian's wall is
over 70 miles long.
317
00:17:27,710 --> 00:17:30,155
It would have been
towering, impressive.
318
00:17:30,190 --> 00:17:31,995
We can tell by the fact
319
00:17:32,004 --> 00:17:36,395
That hadrian constructed
this frontier line, his wall,
320
00:17:36,404 --> 00:17:39,635
Which the romans did not do
anywhere else in their empire,
321
00:17:39,710 --> 00:17:41,035
So they considered this
322
00:17:41,070 --> 00:17:43,242
To be a particularly
problematic region.
323
00:17:44,750 --> 00:17:46,002
[narrator] the
impressive structure
324
00:17:46,077 --> 00:17:47,635
Was built as a reminder
325
00:17:47,710 --> 00:17:49,635
To the troublesome
tribes of britain
326
00:17:49,710 --> 00:17:53,642
That rome was in control
and here to stay.
327
00:17:57,350 --> 00:17:59,275
The roman army originally
come into this landscape
328
00:17:59,310 --> 00:18:01,435
To police and protect
their friends and allies,
329
00:18:01,470 --> 00:18:03,795
The brigantes, who they
formed a relationship with.
330
00:18:03,870 --> 00:18:07,362
But very quickly, they decide
to outstay their welcome
331
00:18:07,437 --> 00:18:10,555
And to purposely conquer
this part of the country.
332
00:18:10,564 --> 00:18:13,595
So it's an army that's on
a war footing immediately.
333
00:18:13,630 --> 00:18:15,595
So the roman army are
not a welcome presence
334
00:18:15,630 --> 00:18:17,595
For the majority of
the people of britain.
335
00:18:17,630 --> 00:18:19,402
Particularly this
part of britain.
336
00:18:20,637 --> 00:18:22,315
[narrator] today,
the sheer scale
337
00:18:22,350 --> 00:18:24,675
Of hadrian's wall is impressive.
338
00:18:24,750 --> 00:18:28,795
But, when it was first
built, it was formidable.
339
00:18:28,870 --> 00:18:33,595
The wall was about 20 feet
high, almost 10 feet wide,
340
00:18:33,630 --> 00:18:37,595
And protected by
a 26-foot-wide ditch.
341
00:18:37,630 --> 00:18:40,562
Dozens of forts,
lookout towers and garrisons
342
00:18:40,637 --> 00:18:44,242
Ensured a constant presence
of heavily armed soldiers
343
00:18:44,317 --> 00:18:49,435
Were patrolling the entire
length of the wall at all times.
344
00:18:49,470 --> 00:18:53,275
Despite there being nothing
like it before or since,
345
00:18:53,310 --> 00:18:56,635
Hadrian's wall didn't quite
have the impact on the locals
346
00:18:56,670 --> 00:18:58,562
The emperor was hoping for.
347
00:19:00,270 --> 00:19:01,755
So once hadrian's wall
goes up, you know,
348
00:19:01,790 --> 00:19:03,522
There's a general
impression, well, that's it.
349
00:19:03,597 --> 00:19:05,635
Problem sorted, you know,
end of issues,
350
00:19:05,710 --> 00:19:08,115
The wall is there,
everything's fine.
351
00:19:08,190 --> 00:19:11,195
But the roman army in
britain is still enormous.
352
00:19:11,230 --> 00:19:12,882
There are more soldiers
in roman britain
353
00:19:12,957 --> 00:19:15,995
Than in any other single
province in the whole empire.
354
00:19:16,030 --> 00:19:17,835
And they're there for a reason.
355
00:19:17,870 --> 00:19:19,755
They're here in britain
because things aren't well.
356
00:19:19,830 --> 00:19:22,475
Things haven't been pacified.
357
00:19:22,510 --> 00:19:25,595
[narrator] for 15 years,
the roman army held firm
358
00:19:25,630 --> 00:19:27,835
Behind their giant
fortification,
359
00:19:27,844 --> 00:19:29,842
Stamping out local rebellion.
360
00:19:31,390 --> 00:19:35,595
But the evidence from burnswark
reveals that in 139 ad
361
00:19:35,630 --> 00:19:39,602
They left the security of
hadrian's wall to push north.
362
00:19:40,510 --> 00:19:42,242
So what changed?
363
00:19:44,990 --> 00:19:47,595
Experts believe the
events that unfolded
364
00:19:47,630 --> 00:19:52,002
In southern scotland had
their roots 1,500 miles away,
365
00:19:52,077 --> 00:19:54,882
In the political
power games of rome.
366
00:19:56,270 --> 00:19:59,275
The relationship between
hadrian and the senate
367
00:19:59,310 --> 00:20:01,675
Had not been an easy one.
368
00:20:01,684 --> 00:20:05,355
So when hadrian died in 138 ad,
369
00:20:05,390 --> 00:20:07,635
The senate welcomed
what they perceived
370
00:20:07,710 --> 00:20:13,482
To be a more amicable and a
more recognizably roman leader.
371
00:20:14,670 --> 00:20:18,635
[narrator] hadrian's
successor was antoninus pius.
372
00:20:18,670 --> 00:20:21,955
A career politician who,
unlike previous emperors,
373
00:20:22,030 --> 00:20:25,282
Had no first-hand
experience of warfare.
374
00:20:26,590 --> 00:20:27,835
To prove his worth,
375
00:20:27,870 --> 00:20:30,762
The new emperor urgently
needed a conquest.
376
00:20:32,190 --> 00:20:34,882
So antoninus was
looking for a victory,
377
00:20:34,957 --> 00:20:37,675
So that he could claim
the title of imperator,
378
00:20:37,710 --> 00:20:40,242
Or conqueror, and
add that to his name,
379
00:20:40,317 --> 00:20:43,315
As his predecessors
had done before him.
380
00:20:43,390 --> 00:20:46,242
[narrator] with most of
britain under roman rule,
381
00:20:46,317 --> 00:20:49,675
And thousands of troops
already in place,
382
00:20:49,710 --> 00:20:52,962
Antoninus saw taking the rest
of britain as an easy win.
383
00:20:54,910 --> 00:20:57,675
And to make sure
his plan succeeded,
384
00:20:57,710 --> 00:21:01,042
He brought in his best man.
385
00:21:01,117 --> 00:21:04,715
A roman soldier who was
fiercely loyal to the emperor,
386
00:21:04,750 --> 00:21:07,635
With a reputation for
getting the job done
387
00:21:07,710 --> 00:21:09,962
In the most merciless
way possible.
388
00:21:10,910 --> 00:21:14,635
Quintus lollius urbicus.
389
00:21:14,670 --> 00:21:16,355
[darius] the man in charge
of the operations
390
00:21:16,430 --> 00:21:18,475
Is a very successful general.
391
00:21:18,550 --> 00:21:20,715
He comes from
modern day algeria,
392
00:21:20,750 --> 00:21:22,562
A little town called tiddis.
393
00:21:22,637 --> 00:21:27,035
And it seems like
he is a romanized berber.
394
00:21:27,070 --> 00:21:30,235
[narrator] historical records
reveal lollius urbicus
395
00:21:30,270 --> 00:21:33,642
Had a reputation for extreme
brutality on the battlefield.
396
00:21:37,437 --> 00:21:40,955
In the 130s ad,
insurgents led a rebellion
397
00:21:40,990 --> 00:21:45,115
Against roman control in
the province of judea.
398
00:21:45,150 --> 00:21:48,315
Lollius was one of
those men hand-picked
399
00:21:48,350 --> 00:21:51,682
By hadrian to put
down the revolt.
400
00:21:51,757 --> 00:21:56,315
[darius] this was a brutal
revolt, violently put down.
401
00:21:56,350 --> 00:21:58,715
That's how the roman
army functioned.
402
00:21:58,750 --> 00:22:02,155
So when you do read
about lollius urbicus
403
00:22:02,190 --> 00:22:07,035
And you read about the
strongholds that are squashed,
404
00:22:07,070 --> 00:22:10,155
Thousands of villages that
are razed to the ground,
405
00:22:10,190 --> 00:22:13,042
Maybe half a million
people that are enslaved,
406
00:22:13,117 --> 00:22:17,435
Its generals like lollius
that are behind that.
407
00:22:17,470 --> 00:22:20,555
[narrator] after spearheading
the massacre in judea,
408
00:22:20,590 --> 00:22:24,475
Antoninus promoted lollius
to governor of britannia,
409
00:22:24,510 --> 00:22:26,562
And then set him to work.
410
00:22:28,510 --> 00:22:31,675
He ordered his men to leave
the safety of hadrian's wall,
411
00:22:31,710 --> 00:22:34,795
And 6,000 soldiers
surged northwards
412
00:22:34,830 --> 00:22:36,642
Into the wildlands beyond.
413
00:22:38,390 --> 00:22:40,675
[john] when you have an emperor
who needs a big victory,
414
00:22:40,750 --> 00:22:43,522
You want to make sure that
the result is assured,
415
00:22:43,597 --> 00:22:46,562
So you can imagine
that lollius urbicus
416
00:22:46,637 --> 00:22:48,875
Was bringing in the maximum
number of troops here
417
00:22:48,910 --> 00:22:51,315
To get the greatest effect.
418
00:22:51,390 --> 00:22:54,242
Lollius would have
had at his disposal
419
00:22:54,317 --> 00:22:57,842
The three legions who were
already stationed in britain.
420
00:22:57,917 --> 00:23:01,842
That's thousands of men
that he could deploy.
421
00:23:01,917 --> 00:23:04,675
[narrator] failure
was not an option.
422
00:23:04,750 --> 00:23:08,835
So lollius made very sure
he was equipped for success.
423
00:23:08,910 --> 00:23:10,642
A vast, highly trained army.
424
00:23:11,670 --> 00:23:14,635
A ferocious arsenal of weapons.
425
00:23:14,670 --> 00:23:16,802
And the legendary manuballista.
426
00:23:19,070 --> 00:23:22,635
But why was this
weapon so feared?
427
00:23:22,670 --> 00:23:27,635
And what was its role in
the attack on burnswark hill?
428
00:23:27,710 --> 00:23:30,635
[john] the spread of missiles
tells us that the romans
429
00:23:30,670 --> 00:23:33,915
Were throwing everything at
the hilltop at the one time.
430
00:23:33,990 --> 00:23:36,642
[dramatic music]
431
00:23:41,630 --> 00:23:43,635
[narrator] 1,900 years ago,
432
00:23:43,710 --> 00:23:46,795
The ruthless roman
general, lollius urbicus,
433
00:23:46,830 --> 00:23:49,362
Launched the conquest
of northern britain.
434
00:23:49,437 --> 00:23:52,475
-[soldiers shouting]
-[weapon thwacks]
435
00:23:52,510 --> 00:23:55,515
Experts now suggest
the first sign of resistance
436
00:23:55,550 --> 00:23:59,915
To roman rule came 10 miles
north of hadrian's wall,
437
00:23:59,950 --> 00:24:03,595
At burnswark hill in
southern scotland.
438
00:24:03,630 --> 00:24:07,595
This was the most heavily
defended hillfort in the region,
439
00:24:07,630 --> 00:24:11,115
And home to thousands
of native britons.
440
00:24:11,150 --> 00:24:13,755
But the remains of
two vast roman camps
441
00:24:13,790 --> 00:24:16,715
On either side of
the hillfort suggests
442
00:24:16,750 --> 00:24:18,882
That within hours of arriving,
443
00:24:18,957 --> 00:24:22,475
Lollius had employed
classic battle tactics
444
00:24:22,550 --> 00:24:25,522
And had the
settlement surrounded.
445
00:24:25,597 --> 00:24:29,515
The army was coming in
as a major battering ram,
446
00:24:29,550 --> 00:24:31,355
And bringing with them equipment
447
00:24:31,390 --> 00:24:35,522
That the natives would
not have seen before.
448
00:24:35,597 --> 00:24:41,515
This was a site of a major
military engineering exercise.
449
00:24:41,550 --> 00:24:43,475
The size of it,
the magnitude of it,
450
00:24:43,550 --> 00:24:45,035
To me means only one thing.
451
00:24:45,070 --> 00:24:47,595
This had imperial backing.
452
00:24:47,630 --> 00:24:49,915
[narrator] john reid's
archeological investigation
453
00:24:49,950 --> 00:24:51,435
Has revealed that,
454
00:24:51,470 --> 00:24:53,755
Once the romans had
dug in around the fort,
455
00:24:53,790 --> 00:24:57,722
The next stage was a terrifying
aerial bombardment.
456
00:24:59,710 --> 00:25:03,275
The spread of missiles,
the number of missiles,
457
00:25:03,310 --> 00:25:06,475
And the mix of missiles
tell us that the romans
458
00:25:06,550 --> 00:25:09,835
Were throwing everything at
the hilltop at the one time.
459
00:25:09,870 --> 00:25:11,515
We know it's at the one time
460
00:25:11,550 --> 00:25:13,995
Because they're all in
the same archeological strata.
461
00:25:14,030 --> 00:25:16,875
We know that there
are stone balls,
462
00:25:16,910 --> 00:25:19,675
Lead bullets and
iron bolt heads
463
00:25:19,710 --> 00:25:22,635
All coming in simultaneously.
464
00:25:22,670 --> 00:25:25,155
[narrator] a continuous
hail of ballistic weapons
465
00:25:25,230 --> 00:25:27,322
Would have had two key outcomes.
466
00:25:28,710 --> 00:25:30,955
Suppressing fire to
allow roman troops
467
00:25:30,990 --> 00:25:35,115
To storm the fort without
being subjected to return fire.
468
00:25:35,150 --> 00:25:38,635
And to cause maximum panic
among the women and children
469
00:25:38,710 --> 00:25:41,635
Holed up in the hillfort.
470
00:25:41,710 --> 00:25:45,315
This is where experts believe
rome's killing machine,
471
00:25:45,390 --> 00:25:48,442
The manuballista, was
at its most effective.
472
00:25:50,550 --> 00:25:55,275
But could such an ancient weapon
really live up to the hype?
473
00:25:55,350 --> 00:25:57,682
Does reality match the legend?
474
00:25:59,277 --> 00:26:01,675
Alan wilkins is about
to put his recreation
475
00:26:01,710 --> 00:26:05,475
Of the manuballista
through its paces.
476
00:26:05,550 --> 00:26:08,555
I've got a good coverage
on that on both sides.
477
00:26:08,564 --> 00:26:10,562
Even without
standing up to do it,
478
00:26:10,637 --> 00:26:13,115
I can cover from corner to
corner on the background,
479
00:26:13,150 --> 00:26:14,795
No problem at all.
480
00:26:14,870 --> 00:26:16,722
And as they come in closer
I can still go right over.
481
00:26:18,317 --> 00:26:21,595
[tense music]
482
00:26:21,630 --> 00:26:24,315
[narrator] with the
manuballista in position,
483
00:26:24,350 --> 00:26:27,755
An iron bolt, just like
the one found at burnswark,
484
00:26:27,790 --> 00:26:29,682
Is fitted into place.
485
00:26:31,470 --> 00:26:32,482
Ready to shoot!
486
00:26:47,204 --> 00:26:52,442
Look at the power of that.
Skewed it right through.
487
00:26:54,030 --> 00:26:57,355
[narrator] in the hands
of trained roman soldiers,
488
00:26:57,390 --> 00:26:59,042
The manuballista would
have been a weapon
489
00:26:59,117 --> 00:27:01,275
Of deadly precision.
490
00:27:01,310 --> 00:27:05,115
Like a modern sniper rifle,
it was easy to maneuver,
491
00:27:05,150 --> 00:27:07,595
Quick to reload,
and could launch
492
00:27:07,630 --> 00:27:10,315
A seven-inch,
armor-piercing projectile
493
00:27:10,350 --> 00:27:13,602
At over 70 miles an hour
with terrifying accuracy.
494
00:27:15,364 --> 00:27:18,475
The manuballista far
outranged and outpaced
495
00:27:18,510 --> 00:27:21,315
Any weapon the enemy
could throw at the romans,
496
00:27:21,390 --> 00:27:24,882
Giving the invading army
the edge in any assault.
497
00:27:26,990 --> 00:27:28,562
At the battle of burnswark,
498
00:27:28,637 --> 00:27:31,435
John reid suspects
there's an obvious place
499
00:27:31,470 --> 00:27:33,595
Where these ancient
killing machines
500
00:27:33,630 --> 00:27:36,602
Would have been positioned
for maximum effect.
501
00:27:38,270 --> 00:27:41,755
Behind me you see three
large earth mounds.
502
00:27:41,790 --> 00:27:44,835
These are known locally
as the three brethren.
503
00:27:44,910 --> 00:27:47,635
You can see that they're
about 30 or 40 feet wide
504
00:27:47,710 --> 00:27:52,115
And they have large ditches
around the hillward-facing side.
505
00:27:52,190 --> 00:27:55,635
These are purpose-built
catapult platforms
506
00:27:55,710 --> 00:27:57,435
To help bombard the hill.
507
00:27:57,470 --> 00:28:00,355
And you can see how close
they are to the summit.
508
00:28:00,430 --> 00:28:02,795
This meant that
the troops here could shoot
509
00:28:02,830 --> 00:28:06,395
At the people on
the summit with impunity,
510
00:28:06,404 --> 00:28:09,362
Because the people up there
had no distance weapons.
511
00:28:09,437 --> 00:28:12,402
[soldiers shouting]
512
00:28:15,117 --> 00:28:17,115
[narrator] the tribal
britons on burnswark hill
513
00:28:17,150 --> 00:28:20,635
Were being targeted
at close range.
514
00:28:20,710 --> 00:28:22,995
Alan and len are
now able to test
515
00:28:23,070 --> 00:28:25,595
If the best armor
available at the time,
516
00:28:25,630 --> 00:28:28,315
Chain mail, offered
any protection
517
00:28:28,350 --> 00:28:30,682
Against the power
of the manuballista.
518
00:28:36,830 --> 00:28:39,795
-Wow!
-It's gone through the meat.
519
00:28:39,870 --> 00:28:42,235
Yeah. There are two
layers of chain mail
520
00:28:42,270 --> 00:28:46,795
And it's gone right through,
splitting the rings apart.
521
00:28:46,870 --> 00:28:48,402
It's no good.
522
00:28:48,477 --> 00:28:50,882
It's no good at all against
this type of weapon.
523
00:28:50,957 --> 00:28:53,042
[narrator] not even
the most sophisticated
524
00:28:53,117 --> 00:28:56,242
Armor of the day stood a chance.
525
00:28:56,317 --> 00:28:58,402
And the iron age
community at burnswark
526
00:28:58,477 --> 00:29:01,242
Wouldn't have been anywhere
near as well equipped.
527
00:29:02,750 --> 00:29:04,955
Firing at a side
of pork simulates
528
00:29:05,030 --> 00:29:08,795
The effects of a direct
hit on an unarmored native.
529
00:29:08,830 --> 00:29:13,802
-[dramatic music]
-[weapon thwacks]
530
00:29:14,910 --> 00:29:17,882
Look at that. Phew!
531
00:29:19,070 --> 00:29:20,362
Nasty.
532
00:29:21,870 --> 00:29:23,315
If this was a person,
533
00:29:23,390 --> 00:29:26,075
That bolt would have
sunk up to the flights,
534
00:29:26,110 --> 00:29:29,435
And he'd be driven
down on the ground
535
00:29:29,470 --> 00:29:32,635
And squirming in
the agonies of death,
536
00:29:32,670 --> 00:29:34,315
Right through the heart.
537
00:29:34,350 --> 00:29:36,002
I mean, even if it caught him
538
00:29:36,077 --> 00:29:37,835
And it was only a wound,
it's gonna throw him way back,
539
00:29:37,870 --> 00:29:40,715
He's gonna be thrown off
his feet, hurled backwards.
540
00:29:40,750 --> 00:29:43,355
He's not going to be
wanting to get up again.
541
00:29:43,390 --> 00:29:46,355
I'm glad I'm behind the machine
instead of in front of it,
542
00:29:46,430 --> 00:29:49,522
That's all I can say! [laughing]
543
00:29:50,670 --> 00:29:52,635
[narrator] thousands of
highly trained soldiers
544
00:29:52,670 --> 00:29:55,475
And a rain of deadly
missiles was already enough
545
00:29:55,550 --> 00:29:58,322
To massacre the entire
community at burnswark.
546
00:30:00,670 --> 00:30:05,042
So, why did lollius even bother
to employ the manuballista?
547
00:30:07,550 --> 00:30:10,155
Roman military strategist
hannah-marie chidwick
548
00:30:10,190 --> 00:30:12,555
Thinks a discovery at
an iron age hillfort
549
00:30:12,590 --> 00:30:16,715
360 miles south of
burnswark in England
550
00:30:16,750 --> 00:30:20,242
Could explain the key
role of the manuballista.
551
00:30:22,190 --> 00:30:23,842
[hannah-marie] this is hod hill,
552
00:30:23,917 --> 00:30:28,235
It's an impressive hillfort in
dorset just south of shaftsbury.
553
00:30:28,244 --> 00:30:30,555
And we think that
like burnswark,
554
00:30:30,564 --> 00:30:34,555
Hod hill was the victim
of roman military might,
555
00:30:34,564 --> 00:30:37,162
But almost 100 years previously.
556
00:30:38,797 --> 00:30:41,682
[narrator] a century before
the burnswark massacre,
557
00:30:41,757 --> 00:30:43,915
During the first
invasion of britain,
558
00:30:43,990 --> 00:30:47,682
A similar military strategy
played out at hod hill.
559
00:30:49,630 --> 00:30:53,162
The romans set up two camps on
either side of the hillfort.
560
00:30:54,510 --> 00:30:56,475
Then, as with burnswark,
561
00:30:56,510 --> 00:30:59,675
Unleashed a continuous
bombardment of fire
562
00:30:59,710 --> 00:31:01,835
From weapons including
an earlier evolution
563
00:31:01,870 --> 00:31:05,602
Of the manuballista,
called the scorpio.
564
00:31:07,550 --> 00:31:11,155
17 scorpio bolt heads
were found.
565
00:31:11,230 --> 00:31:15,435
And crucially, they were all
clustered in the same position,
566
00:31:15,470 --> 00:31:17,282
The hut of a tribal chief.
567
00:31:19,470 --> 00:31:22,562
Because we've managed to
uncover bolts concentrated
568
00:31:22,637 --> 00:31:25,435
So closely around
the chieftain's hut,
569
00:31:25,470 --> 00:31:27,955
Suggests that these machines
570
00:31:28,030 --> 00:31:32,635
Were used for very targeted use.
571
00:31:32,670 --> 00:31:34,635
[narrator] hannah-marie
believes the scorpios
572
00:31:34,670 --> 00:31:36,475
Were being used in the same role
573
00:31:36,510 --> 00:31:39,362
As a modern-day sniper rifle.
574
00:31:39,437 --> 00:31:42,155
The hod hill attack was
a carefully planned operation
575
00:31:42,190 --> 00:31:45,595
To achieve one clear objective:
576
00:31:45,630 --> 00:31:49,155
Take out the top men,
the tribal leaders.
577
00:31:49,230 --> 00:31:52,475
A ferocious bombardment
of artillery of this kind,
578
00:31:52,550 --> 00:31:54,882
Combined with
a targeted killing,
579
00:31:54,957 --> 00:31:57,675
Is a way of the romans
sending a message.
580
00:31:57,710 --> 00:31:59,675
They want to show their power,
581
00:31:59,710 --> 00:32:02,235
Their strategy,
their technology.
582
00:32:02,270 --> 00:32:03,835
It's a way of them saying
583
00:32:03,870 --> 00:32:07,155
Even if you manage to
withstand us this time,
584
00:32:07,230 --> 00:32:08,962
We will come back at you again.
585
00:32:10,590 --> 00:32:12,635
[narrator] the military assault
that took place at hod hill
586
00:32:12,670 --> 00:32:17,035
Reveals the ruthless
tactics of the roman army.
587
00:32:17,070 --> 00:32:21,155
It seems, a century later,
the same terrifying message
588
00:32:21,230 --> 00:32:24,715
Was being sent to the tribes
people north of hadrian's wall.
589
00:32:24,724 --> 00:32:27,362
[tense music]
590
00:32:29,277 --> 00:32:31,842
But at burnswark,
the romans had a weapon
591
00:32:31,917 --> 00:32:34,475
That had no rival
in the ancient world
592
00:32:34,510 --> 00:32:36,642
For power or accuracy.
593
00:32:44,990 --> 00:32:47,995
So this is a block
of ballistic gel
594
00:32:48,030 --> 00:32:52,475
As used by police forces
to test the path of bullets.
595
00:32:52,550 --> 00:32:56,722
Now we have no idea
what will happen.
596
00:32:56,797 --> 00:32:59,755
Does it just make
a straight hole?
597
00:32:59,790 --> 00:33:01,595
Which would be bad enough.
598
00:33:01,630 --> 00:33:06,722
I just wonder whether it is
even worse than we expect.
599
00:33:06,797 --> 00:33:09,355
[narrator] ballistic gel
has the same consistency
600
00:33:09,390 --> 00:33:10,602
As human flesh.
601
00:33:12,110 --> 00:33:14,555
A direct hit will
simulate the trauma
602
00:33:14,590 --> 00:33:16,922
A bolt would have inflicted
on a native briton.
603
00:33:20,670 --> 00:33:23,442
[weapon thwacks]
604
00:33:30,077 --> 00:33:33,915
Oh, look at that!
Floating in jelly.
605
00:33:33,950 --> 00:33:38,635
It's got the most lovely wave
effect round the bolt itself.
606
00:33:38,670 --> 00:33:40,635
It shows how it would
rip through flesh,
607
00:33:40,670 --> 00:33:43,522
And look at the depth
it's gone in.
608
00:33:43,597 --> 00:33:44,955
This is the depth
of your body really.
609
00:33:45,030 --> 00:33:46,635
You've got a complete
rip through there.
610
00:33:46,670 --> 00:33:48,562
That would have opened
you up completely.
611
00:33:48,637 --> 00:33:50,675
I mean, if it wasn't
a killing wound
612
00:33:50,750 --> 00:33:53,275
You'd bleed to death
in no time at all.
613
00:33:53,350 --> 00:33:54,675
[narrator] armed
with the evidence
614
00:33:54,750 --> 00:33:56,355
Of the power and precision
615
00:33:56,430 --> 00:33:59,915
Of the roman army's most
sophisticated weapons,
616
00:33:59,950 --> 00:34:03,435
And their merciless
tactics in warfare,
617
00:34:03,470 --> 00:34:05,995
John reid believes
he can reconstruct
618
00:34:06,004 --> 00:34:10,315
The chain of events that
unfolded on burnswark hill.
619
00:34:10,390 --> 00:34:13,595
If he's right, then
what happened here
620
00:34:13,630 --> 00:34:18,002
Was nothing short of a mass
slaughter of the innocent.
621
00:34:18,077 --> 00:34:20,555
This was death dealing blizzard.
622
00:34:20,590 --> 00:34:22,482
It would have been
a terrifying sight.
623
00:34:23,757 --> 00:34:25,595
[narrator] the
horrifying similarities
624
00:34:25,670 --> 00:34:27,435
Between two brutal attacks
625
00:34:27,470 --> 00:34:31,475
On british hillforts have
revealed the merciless tactics
626
00:34:31,550 --> 00:34:34,722
Of a roman army
hellbent on domination.
627
00:34:36,390 --> 00:34:38,635
At hod hill in southern England,
628
00:34:38,670 --> 00:34:41,835
Under the cover of
a wall of offensive fire,
629
00:34:41,844 --> 00:34:44,635
Tribal chiefs were
targeted and picked off
630
00:34:44,670 --> 00:34:48,282
By soldiers armed with an
ancient version of a crossbow.
631
00:34:50,030 --> 00:34:54,075
A century later and
360 miles away in scotland,
632
00:34:54,110 --> 00:34:56,395
The same,
tried-and-tested tactics
633
00:34:56,430 --> 00:34:59,682
Were used on
the burnswark hillfort.
634
00:34:59,757 --> 00:35:02,075
But this time
the romans had access
635
00:35:02,150 --> 00:35:05,595
To an even more deadly
precision weapon:
636
00:35:05,630 --> 00:35:08,042
The metal framed manuballista.
637
00:35:09,630 --> 00:35:13,195
Firing at a watermelon
simulates the deadly effect
638
00:35:13,204 --> 00:35:16,995
A manuballista bolt would
have had on a human skull.
639
00:35:17,070 --> 00:35:19,722
[dramatic music]
640
00:35:22,477 --> 00:35:25,635
Not a very nice sight,
is it? Brain split open.
641
00:35:25,710 --> 00:35:27,202
A skull splitter.
642
00:35:27,277 --> 00:35:29,515
[narrator] the ruthless
general lollius urbicus
643
00:35:29,550 --> 00:35:31,675
Used every weapon
at his disposal
644
00:35:31,684 --> 00:35:35,722
To launch the savage aerial
assault at burnswark.
645
00:35:36,884 --> 00:35:38,315
The assault was likely
646
00:35:38,350 --> 00:35:41,682
To be a short, sharp
lightening attack.
647
00:35:41,757 --> 00:35:45,635
Would have lasted probably
no more than a few hours.
648
00:35:45,710 --> 00:35:49,675
This was a blizzard, this
was a death dealing blizzard.
649
00:35:49,710 --> 00:35:52,395
[narrator] and john reid
suspects it was an attack
650
00:35:52,430 --> 00:35:55,642
On a largely innocent
and outgunned population.
651
00:35:57,670 --> 00:36:00,555
These stone throwers,
the spring guns,
652
00:36:00,564 --> 00:36:02,235
Were of a technological advance
653
00:36:02,270 --> 00:36:04,515
That they would not
have had party to,
654
00:36:04,590 --> 00:36:08,562
So they knew at that point
that they were up against it,
655
00:36:08,637 --> 00:36:12,515
And you can only guess at how
the women and children felt.
656
00:36:12,590 --> 00:36:14,515
[narrator] the archeological
evidence at burnswark
657
00:36:14,590 --> 00:36:16,875
Suggests general lollius' plan
658
00:36:16,884 --> 00:36:19,755
Was to use every weapon
in the roman arsenal
659
00:36:19,790 --> 00:36:23,595
To create maximum
chaos and destruction.
660
00:36:23,630 --> 00:36:25,275
But john reid's investigation
661
00:36:25,310 --> 00:36:28,242
Has revealed lollius
was so ruthless,
662
00:36:28,317 --> 00:36:31,595
He didn't just rely on
physical weapons of war,
663
00:36:31,670 --> 00:36:34,635
He also used
psychological warfare
664
00:36:34,710 --> 00:36:37,602
To terrify his victims
into submission.
665
00:36:39,070 --> 00:36:40,635
For a long time,
it had been noticed
666
00:36:40,670 --> 00:36:42,715
That there was a certain
group of the bullets
667
00:36:42,750 --> 00:36:45,515
Were smaller
than the other ones.
668
00:36:45,550 --> 00:36:47,675
But it hadn't really
been picked up
669
00:36:47,684 --> 00:36:49,355
That there were holes in them.
670
00:36:49,390 --> 00:36:52,635
And when we measured, it
was four millimeters across
671
00:36:52,670 --> 00:36:54,635
And five millimeters deep.
672
00:36:54,670 --> 00:36:57,915
And lo and behold, that
was a standard size
673
00:36:57,950 --> 00:37:00,602
For virtually all of the holes.
674
00:37:01,630 --> 00:37:03,595
[narrator] intrigued, john made
675
00:37:03,630 --> 00:37:07,642
A number of exact replicas
and fired them at speed.
676
00:37:09,350 --> 00:37:12,075
They actually whistle
in flight.
677
00:37:12,150 --> 00:37:15,035
And when you get up to
the sort of velocities
678
00:37:15,070 --> 00:37:17,842
That the expert roman
slingers could get up to,
679
00:37:17,917 --> 00:37:19,915
They really do whistle.
680
00:37:19,950 --> 00:37:21,915
There are so many
here at burnswark
681
00:37:21,950 --> 00:37:23,915
That we can say
pretty conclusively
682
00:37:23,990 --> 00:37:27,195
That the holes were made
for a very specific purpose,
683
00:37:27,230 --> 00:37:31,755
And we think that purpose
was to create terror.
684
00:37:31,830 --> 00:37:34,075
-[soldiers shouting]
-[bullets whistling]
685
00:37:34,150 --> 00:37:36,635
Sound creates a panic, anxiety.
686
00:37:36,670 --> 00:37:40,235
It signals that something
terrible is about to happen.
687
00:37:40,270 --> 00:37:42,675
In this way sound is an
extremely effective way
688
00:37:42,750 --> 00:37:47,315
To destabilize your enemy,
to create chaos.
689
00:37:47,390 --> 00:37:49,475
We know that in world war two,
690
00:37:49,550 --> 00:37:53,275
The nazis fitted one of their
dive bombers with a siren,
691
00:37:53,310 --> 00:37:56,715
[plane siren roaring]
692
00:37:56,750 --> 00:37:59,515
Which produced
a terrifying screaming sound
693
00:37:59,524 --> 00:38:01,195
As it was dropping bombs.
694
00:38:01,230 --> 00:38:03,915
And there was no
practical reason
695
00:38:03,950 --> 00:38:05,315
For instilling this siren.
696
00:38:05,390 --> 00:38:10,155
It was just there to
induce panic and terror.
697
00:38:10,230 --> 00:38:13,275
[narrator] at burnswark, as
weapons like the manuballista
698
00:38:13,310 --> 00:38:14,675
Wreaked deadly havoc
699
00:38:14,750 --> 00:38:18,075
And thousands of ancient
missiles rained down,
700
00:38:18,110 --> 00:38:20,882
The roman army moved
into the final phase
701
00:38:20,957 --> 00:38:24,875
Of their brutal assault
on the hillfort's defenses.
702
00:38:24,884 --> 00:38:27,315
The heavily armed
troops disgorged
703
00:38:27,390 --> 00:38:30,155
Out of these three
big gateways down here
704
00:38:30,190 --> 00:38:32,115
And started advancing
up the hill.
705
00:38:32,190 --> 00:38:34,042
It would have been
a terrifying sight.
706
00:38:35,230 --> 00:38:36,795
Once they got to the summit,
707
00:38:36,870 --> 00:38:38,395
They would have fought
their way onto level ground,
708
00:38:38,430 --> 00:38:40,155
And once there,
709
00:38:40,190 --> 00:38:43,435
The roman troops would have
been absolutely unbeatable.
710
00:38:43,470 --> 00:38:45,595
[narrator] as the survivors
tried to escape,
711
00:38:45,670 --> 00:38:48,002
They were picked off
by the second battalion
712
00:38:48,077 --> 00:38:52,722
Of roman soldiers positioned
on the other side of the fort.
713
00:38:52,797 --> 00:38:54,722
We know that there was
an attempted break out
714
00:38:54,797 --> 00:38:56,635
On the north side of the fort,
715
00:38:56,670 --> 00:39:00,002
Because we found a cluster
of bullets at the north gate.
716
00:39:00,077 --> 00:39:03,315
And we think that that
was an escape party
717
00:39:03,390 --> 00:39:05,675
Getting caught by fire.
718
00:39:05,710 --> 00:39:07,755
[narrator] the hillfort,
and all in it,
719
00:39:07,830 --> 00:39:12,395
Was obliterated by rome's
version of a blitzkrieg.
720
00:39:12,430 --> 00:39:15,275
The message to the ancient
britons north of hadrian's wall
721
00:39:15,310 --> 00:39:20,282
Couldn't have been clearer:
Surrender to roman rule, or die.
722
00:39:24,270 --> 00:39:25,795
The bodies almost certainly
would have been left
723
00:39:25,870 --> 00:39:30,562
On the ground, with no
attempt to bury them.
724
00:39:30,637 --> 00:39:33,115
Leaving a clear message
to the rest of the people
725
00:39:33,150 --> 00:39:35,802
In the south of scotland
that rome was on its way.
726
00:39:37,917 --> 00:39:39,435
[narrator] if spreading fear
727
00:39:39,470 --> 00:39:42,115
Throughout the north of
britain was the plan,
728
00:39:42,190 --> 00:39:44,482
Then history suggests it worked.
729
00:39:46,190 --> 00:39:48,235
[hannah-marie] after his
success at burnswark,
730
00:39:48,244 --> 00:39:50,635
Lollius pushed
further northward.
731
00:39:50,670 --> 00:39:53,595
He took on tribe after tribe.
732
00:39:53,670 --> 00:39:57,435
The whole might of
rome facing tribesmen
733
00:39:57,470 --> 00:40:01,955
Who simply weren't equipped
to be able to counter them.
734
00:40:02,030 --> 00:40:04,235
[narrator] 90 miles
further north of burnswark
735
00:40:04,244 --> 00:40:06,882
Is the spot where
lollius urbicus ended
736
00:40:06,957 --> 00:40:10,682
His bloody three-year
campaign to capture the north.
737
00:40:12,190 --> 00:40:15,515
It was here the roman
army built a new frontier
738
00:40:15,524 --> 00:40:20,235
For their new emperor:
The antonine wall.
739
00:40:20,270 --> 00:40:23,315
For the romans, the campaign
in scotland was a success.
740
00:40:23,390 --> 00:40:27,315
Antoninus was able to add
the title of imperator,
741
00:40:27,390 --> 00:40:29,515
Meaning conqueror, to his name,
742
00:40:29,550 --> 00:40:31,995
As many of his
predecessors had done,
743
00:40:32,030 --> 00:40:33,522
And therefore he was able
744
00:40:33,597 --> 00:40:36,362
To openly display
his military might.
745
00:40:37,950 --> 00:40:39,675
[narrator] lollius urbicus
had achieved
746
00:40:39,710 --> 00:40:42,635
All that the emperor
had asked of him.
747
00:40:42,710 --> 00:40:45,795
And by the time
the antonine wall was complete,
748
00:40:45,870 --> 00:40:47,882
The feared general was gone.
749
00:40:49,550 --> 00:40:52,355
It's almost as though
he was kind of parachuted in
750
00:40:52,430 --> 00:40:55,355
To tackle the revolt
of the tribes,
751
00:40:55,390 --> 00:40:58,802
And then once the job was
finished, he returned to rome.
752
00:41:03,470 --> 00:41:05,635
[darius] afterwards,
he comes to rome
753
00:41:05,710 --> 00:41:08,155
And he serves as
the prefect of the city.
754
00:41:08,190 --> 00:41:10,635
And this is an important,
important position,
755
00:41:10,670 --> 00:41:14,235
You're basically
the number one of the city.
756
00:41:14,270 --> 00:41:17,675
[narrator] lollius urbicus
would never return to britain.
757
00:41:17,710 --> 00:41:20,555
His merciless use of
rome's most feared weapon
758
00:41:20,590 --> 00:41:22,882
To annihilate
the opposition at burnswark
759
00:41:22,957 --> 00:41:27,195
Had paved the way for
a victorious campaign.
760
00:41:27,204 --> 00:41:31,515
But, ultimately, it
was all for nothing.
761
00:41:31,550 --> 00:41:34,875
Just eight years later,
the romans retreated
762
00:41:34,884 --> 00:41:38,515
From the antonine wall back
down to hadrian's wall.
763
00:41:38,590 --> 00:41:42,355
It's possible that this region
was too difficult to govern,
764
00:41:42,430 --> 00:41:44,715
That the local
tribes' resistance
765
00:41:44,750 --> 00:41:48,242
Made the roman presence
there very challenging.
766
00:41:48,317 --> 00:41:50,195
[andrew] in many, many
ways, roman britain
767
00:41:50,270 --> 00:41:52,675
Became a sort of
nightmarish version
768
00:41:52,750 --> 00:41:55,515
Of a sort of modern
afghanistan for western armies,
769
00:41:55,550 --> 00:41:57,795
Where you have
the big military force
770
00:41:57,870 --> 00:42:00,002
Sitting in a landscape
in their forts
771
00:42:00,077 --> 00:42:01,795
Trying to control a population
772
00:42:01,870 --> 00:42:05,515
That are sometimes for you
and sometimes definitely not.
773
00:42:05,524 --> 00:42:08,635
[narrator] with the roman army
back behind hadrian's wall,
774
00:42:08,670 --> 00:42:11,755
Local tribes took back
control of the territory
775
00:42:11,790 --> 00:42:15,042
Conquered by lollius urbicus.
776
00:42:15,117 --> 00:42:17,915
The land we now know
today as scotland
777
00:42:17,990 --> 00:42:20,715
Would never again
succumb to roman rule.
778
00:42:20,750 --> 00:42:22,875
[tense music]
779
00:42:22,910 --> 00:42:25,635
The britons are going to
give the romans a good fight.
780
00:42:25,710 --> 00:42:29,115
And the romans with their
technology can take it so far,
781
00:42:29,150 --> 00:42:31,595
But there are going
to be limitations.
782
00:42:31,670 --> 00:42:33,635
[andrew] the history of
the northern part of britain
783
00:42:33,710 --> 00:42:36,635
Is one of the roman
army attempting
784
00:42:36,670 --> 00:42:40,155
To finish the job again
and again and again,
785
00:42:40,190 --> 00:42:43,595
And various roman emperors
tried very, very hard
786
00:42:43,630 --> 00:42:45,275
To impose their rule.
787
00:42:45,310 --> 00:42:47,962
But in the end, not a single
one of them could do it.
788
00:42:49,550 --> 00:42:52,315
[narrator] after the massacre
at burnswark hill,
789
00:42:52,350 --> 00:42:55,842
Its blood-soaked ground would
forever remain deserted.
790
00:42:57,117 --> 00:42:58,202
[man shouting]
791
00:42:59,630 --> 00:43:02,075
Today, it's an area
of tranquility
792
00:43:02,110 --> 00:43:05,355
And outstanding natural beauty.
793
00:43:05,390 --> 00:43:08,555
But its slopes have revealed
the terrifying force
794
00:43:08,590 --> 00:43:12,602
The roman army unleashed on
anyone who stood in their way.
795
00:43:13,950 --> 00:43:16,235
And the secret weapon
that helped rome
796
00:43:16,270 --> 00:43:21,522
Become the greatest and most
feared civilization on earth.
797
00:43:21,597 --> 00:43:25,035
I don't think we can
conceive of the terror
798
00:43:25,070 --> 00:43:29,042
That the people here felt
as this was unfolding.
799
00:43:29,117 --> 00:43:31,355
But in the gloomy
foreboding weather,
800
00:43:31,390 --> 00:43:34,242
There's a sense of something
bad has happened here.
801
00:43:37,390 --> 00:43:39,202
[andrew] what is unique
about burnswark
802
00:43:39,277 --> 00:43:41,435
Is that you can still
walk around those fields
803
00:43:41,510 --> 00:43:43,835
And feel the ferocity
of the roman army.
804
00:43:43,870 --> 00:43:46,675
They've got a range of options
they can bring to bear.
805
00:43:46,750 --> 00:43:49,595
And if you are stuck
inside a hillfort,
806
00:43:49,630 --> 00:43:52,442
And you think you're safe
behind your palisade,
807
00:43:53,710 --> 00:43:55,675
Unfortunately, you're wrong.
808
00:43:55,710 --> 00:44:00,442
-[dramatic music]
-[soldiers shouting]