A History of Ancient Britain

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Squid Tempest S
Squid Tempest Feb 23, 2011 22:11:00
Replying to goffik

I got a bit sick of them rehashing the same old tired crap though. and what was that boat bit all about? so it is possible to make a sail from sticks and skins - do they have any evidence of such a construction? and if they do, what did it have to do with groove ware pottery?

and not ONCE (at least while I was paying attention) did they mention that the alignments etc might have been simply agricultural calenders, every mention of astronomy went hand in hand with some "cosmological" magical inference. with no evidence.

I hate the way these progs make out they are presenting some wildy exciting new theory which finally explains everything, when in fact half the things they mention are old ideas which don't bear close inspection. might as well be saying the circles were built by aliens.

OK, I know I'm being a bit harsh, but really, they should know a bit better by now.

C cerrig
cerrig Feb 23, 2011 22:25:10
Replying to Squid Tempest

Just watched this. It was the best programme concerning megaliths I have ever seen. It was interesting, and informative. The photography was superb, and showed the monuments in views I've never seen before.
Well done BBC, about time.

O ocifant
ocifant Feb 24, 2011 09:50:47
Replying to Squid Tempest

Not seen the program yet (tonight's viewing via Sky+), but I know what you mean.

Presenting supposition as fact on the flimsiest of evidence is abhorrent, especially in archy programs - Time Team is especially guilty of this.

S Sanctuary
Sanctuary Feb 24, 2011 11:41:14
Replying to Squid Tempest

Squid Tempest wrote:
I got a bit sick of them rehashing the same old tired crap though. and what was that boat bit all about? so it is possible to make a sail from sticks and skins - do they have any evidence of such a construction? and if they do, what did it have to do with groove ware pottery?

and not ONCE (at least while I was paying attention) did they mention that the alignments etc might have been simply agricultural calenders, every mention of astronomy went hand in hand with some "cosmological" magical inference. with no evidence.

I hate the way these progs make out they are presenting some wildy exciting new theory which finally explains everything, when in fact half the things they mention are old ideas which don't bear close inspection. might as well be saying the circles were built by aliens.

OK, I know I'm being a bit harsh, but really, they should know a bit better by now.

I think ST that the public are much more informed these days and don't just take things for granted anymore. As you said, much of it is old hat now and most who follow this type of programme will be aware of that, but, presenters almost seem to be obligated these days to coming up with something reasonably plausible. It may not be a proven fact and like most things just supposition, but at least it gets JP thinking and enthralled and more importantly I feel...taking an interest in our ancient past.

N nigelswift
nigelswift Feb 24, 2011 11:56:50
Replying to Squid Tempest

Squid Tempest wrote:
I hate the way these progs make out they are presenting some wildy exciting new theory which finally explains everything
I suspect that's because the commissioning editors are all about fourteen and easily excited!