Secrets of the Dark Ages Season 1 Episode 4 Braveheart's Scotland

Braveheart's Scotland is the fourth episode of the first season of Secrets of the Dark Ages, a documentary series that examines the mysterious and intriguing events of Europe's Dark Ages. This episode explores the story of William Wallace, the Scottish hero of the late 13th century who fought against the English occupation of Scotland.

The episode begins by examining the historical context of Wallace's time. In the late 1200s, Scotland was a divided kingdom with rival clans vying for power. The English, led by King Edward I, saw this as an opportunity to gain control over Scotland and launched an invasion. They were successful in taking over much of Scotland, but there were pockets of resistance. One of these pockets was led by William Wallace.

Wallace was a commoner who became a leader of the Scottish resistance against the English. He gained fame for his victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, which saw a much smaller Scottish force defeat a much larger English army. Wallace then went on to lead further raids and battles against the English, becoming a symbol of Scottish resistance.

The episode explores the life of William Wallace and the myths and legends surrounding him. It investigates whether he did, in fact, father children or if he was just a warrior dedicated only to his cause. Also, it examines the story of how Wallace rallied his troops before the Battle of Stirling Bridge by painting their faces with blue woad, a tactic that has become synonymous with Scottish warriors.

The episode also examines the tactics and weapons used by the Scots during this period, such as the schiltron, a tightly packed formation of spearmen, and the use of claymores, large two-handed swords wielded by elite warriors.

To further explore the story of William Wallace, the episode travels to Scotland and visits the sites of some of his most famous battles. At the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the program shows how the Scottish army used the terrain to their advantage, forcing the English to cross a narrow bridge, where they could be picked off by bowmen.

The episode also discusses the legacy of Wallace, who has become a national hero in Scotland, and whose story was popularized by the 1995 movie Braveheart, directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The film was a blockbuster hit and made Wallace a household name worldwide, although its accuracy has been criticized by historians.

Overall, Braveheart's Scotland is an engaging and informative episode that sheds light on one of Scotland's most iconic figures. By exploring the historical context, myths and legends, and the tactics and weapons used during this period, this episode paints a vivid picture of the Dark Ages and the characters who lived during this tumultuous time.