This first series spans the very ancient history of Britain (not strictly accurate, because he also includes Ireland and the Scottish islands) from the end of the last main Ice Age and the arrival of the first Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers, up to the beginning of the Iron Age and the arrival of the Romans. it doesn't assume prior specialist knowledge. But Oliver is a professional archaeologist and he doesn't dumb down. There is rather a lot of atmospheric music (but it's background, not overwhelming, at least I thought so) and he does have a tendency to get photographed on mountains from on high by swooping helicopters, but all in all it's not an ego-stroking performance.

Oliver gains access to some of the most important ancient sites, some now closed to the public for protection, and to the co-operation of major museums and their staff in viewing ancient remains. The computer graphics eschew simulations of ancient cavemen, fortunately, and those showing the gradual separation of the island of Britain from mainland Europe are striking and informative. A highly recommended buy for anyone interested in archaeology, geology or other aspects of the ancient history or "our land".