Can’t they all get along? Not by a long shot.
Now some of history’s toughest characters are mixing it up on the History Channel for “Barbarians Week,” a return to the dark forces of tribal expansion as they tear away at the established civilizations of their day.
This follow-up to a similar programming event a few years ago includes four one-hour premieres: on Monday, “The Vandals” and “The Saxons” (beginning at 8 p.m.), then, on Tuesday, “The Franks” and “The Lombards” (also at 8 p.m.).
The Vandals (whose name lives on as a term for wanton destruction) arrived in the fifth century to ravage the Roman Empire just as it began to crumble, then seized a new homeland cut from the heart of Rome. The Saxons swept across Britain, facing Christians and their own barbarian brothers in a bloody rivalry for power and territory.
In “The Franks,” Merovius – a leader said to be half-man, half-monster – descends upon Gaul, setting the stage for his son’s savage conquest over Roman and Visigoth armies. And in “The Lombards,” Alboin breaks through the Roman defense in Italy in the sixth century and surrounds Rome. He also forces his wife to drink from her murdered father’s skull.
“Barbarians Week” continues with encore programs.
Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m.: “Huns,” “Goths” and “Modern Marvels: Barbarian Tech.”
Thursday at 8 p.m.: “Vikings,” “Mongols” and “Modern Marvels: Swords and Knives.”
Friday at 8 p.m.: “The Dark Ages.”
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