Ep 3. Hadrian's Mystic Wall

Mystic Britain season 1 episode 3, "Hadrian's Mystic Wall", takes viewers on a journey to explore the mystical legends and secrets surrounding Hadrian's Wall, one of the most famous landmarks in Britain. This episode sheds light on the questionable motives behind the construction of the wall and how it went beyond a mere defense mechanism.

The episode begins with hosts Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota providing an introduction to Hadrian's Wall, its historical significance, and why it is considered a mystic relic. Viewers get to explore the wall's various sections, their architectural design, and how they connect to the spiritual beliefs of the local people.

As the hosts delve deeper into the wall's history, they uncover surprising facts that challenge the commonly held beliefs about its construction. The show tells the tale of the Roman Empire's ambition to expand its territory, limit the influence of Celtic tribes, and strengthen the control of Rome's legions. These objectives were not only political and military but were also underpinned with mystical beliefs about territory, power, and the divine.

Throughout the episode, the hosts meet with experts, academics, and enthusiasts who share their knowledge and insights about the wall's esoteric beliefs and mythology. They reveal how the Romans adopted traditional Celtic beliefs, mythology, and symbols to win over the local populations and create a unified empire. These beliefs included the idea of geomancy, which is the notion that land has a spiritual energy that can be harnessed through the careful planning of structures like walls, fortresses, and temples.

In this episode, viewers also get the chance to participate in a real archaeological dig. Clive and Mary-Ann join an experienced archaeologist in unearthing an ancient Roman site, which provides valuable information about the wall's construction, engineering, and mystical significance. The dig reveals unexpected findings that challenge conventional archaeological knowledge and interpretations of the past.

The hosts explore the wall's fascinating legends, myths, and belief systems. For instance, they investigate the story of the god-wolf Bran, and his decapitation that was supposed to have marked the location of Hadrian's Wall. They also travel to a remote part of the wall where they uncover stories of paranormal events, sightings of ghosts, and unexplained occurrences.

The episode provides an insight into the wall's cultural and spiritual significance, not just for the Roman Empire but also for the local population. The wall became the frontier of two distinct worlds, with different beliefs, cultures, and traditions, and therefore became a cultural meeting place. It served as a place to exchange traditions and beliefs, and where the mystical beliefs of the Celts and the Romans merged.

The hosts provide a balanced view of the historical context of the wall's construction, exploring both the reasons behind its creation, and the cultural significance of the wall. They also highlight the considerable effort and resources that went into building the wall, and the engineering feats that were achieved at the time of its construction.

Overall, Mystic Britain season 1 episode 3 is a fascinating delve into the enigmatic world of Hadrian's Wall, shedding light on its mystical significance, cultural importance, and historical context. Through interviews, archaeological digs, and exploring the existing myths and beliefs surrounding the wall, the show provides an engaging insight into the past and into the beliefs and traditions of the local population and the Roman Empire.