Normans

The Normans, a three-part series on BBC that will examine the extraordinary expansion and unchecked ambition of this warrior race between the 10th and 13th centuries. Presented by Professor Robert Bartlett, the series will bring the history of the Normans to life by uncovering the personal stories of shadowy figures like Tancred of Hauteville, best remembered as a poor 11th-century Norman lord who fathered no less than 12 sons, two of whom left their homeland and risked their lives to become great rulers in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

850 years ago, the Normans were one of the world's most powerful military forces, dominating Britain, France and Sicily. Over two episodes we will explore the 12th Century Norman invasion of Ireland. Generally considered English or Welsh, the Normans were in fact as much French as British. It's a real-life Game of Thrones that changed the history of Europe forever.

A brilliant global history of the Normans, who—beyond the conquest of England—spread their empire to eventually dominate Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.