S1, E1: This programme - the first in the series - tells the exciting story of how and why the Romans invaded Britannia in the year AD 43. It shows that the invasion was rooted in two things - the emperor Claudius's desire to strengthen his grip on power by chalking up a major military conquest and the Roman state's intention to exploit the rich reserves of gold, silver, corn, timber and other natural resources the island was known to possess.