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The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is to provide viewers with a definitive look at a seminal period of history, the resonances of which can still be felt today, in a season focusing on the Normans across ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Four and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Learning.

Leading the season is The Normans, a three-part series on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two presented by Professor Robert Bartlett that will be broadcast from Wednesday 4 August at 9pm. The series examines the extraordinary expansion and unchecked ambition of this band of warriors between the 10th and 13th centuries.

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.

Martin Davidson, Commissioning Editor, History and Business, says: "The Battle of Hastings in 1066 is such an iconic landmark in our history, but what do we really know of the dynasty of dukes and warriors that staged this Norman invasion? And what do we know of the frenetic energy of the centuries that followed? I'm extremely pleased that a world authority like Robert Bartlett will be at the helm of our Norman season, providing ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two viewers with a definitive look at the warrior-race whose ambition and power transformed Europe and irrevocably changed the course of British history."

The Norman Season also launches Hands On History, a two-year ´óÏó´«Ã½ Learning campaign offering audiences inspiring opportunities to take the next step from watching programmes to discovering history around them. Working in partnership with a range of heritage and history organisations, Hands On History will offer a range of events and activities as part of the Norman Season, including Norman walks. See for details.

Notes to Editors

History on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Television

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is committed to providing a broad range of compelling history content across all channels and platforms. ´óÏó´«Ã½ history programmes are known for their thought-provoking themes, meticulous research and expert contributors. Recent successes like Empire Of The Seas – How The Navy Forged The Modern World and History Cold Case demonstrate the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s continued investment in developing the genre.

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