Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

What the Barbarians Did for Us

Focusing on the Huns, Vandals and Goths, Waldemar Januszczak follows each tribe's European journey and discovers the art they produced along the way.

The Dark Ages have been misunderstood. History has identified the period following the fall of the Roman Empire with a descent into barbarism - a terrible time when civilisation stopped.

Waldemar Januszczak disagrees. In this four-part series, he argues that the Dark Ages were a time of great artistic achievement, with new ideas and religions provoking new artistic adventures. He embarks on a fascinating trip across Europe, Africa and Asia, visits the world's most famous collections and discovers hidden artistic gems, all to prove that the Dark Ages were actually an 'Age of Light'.

The 'Barbarians' are often blamed for the collapse of the Roman Empire, but in reality they were fascinating civilisations that produced magnificent art. Focusing on the Huns, Vandals and Goths, Waldemar follows each tribe's journey across Europe and discovers the incredible art they produced along the way.

1 hour

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Waldemar Januszczak
Director Waldemar Januszczak
Producer Lidia Ciszewska

Broadcasts