Historical dramas have long capivated television audiences, but the latest crop of hit shows like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Vikings', trade polite upstairs downstairs drama for raiding and romance.
It is an approach that is proving to be a hit with today's television viewers.
Actress Alyssa Sutherland stars as the strong and wily Aslaun, alongside fellow Australian actor Travis Fimmel in series two of 'Vikings'.
As it turns out, having a Brisbane-born woman playing an 8th century Viking princess, isn't too much of a stretch.
"You can always find something to relate to and that's what makes the character relatable to the audience so I don't think that humanity has changed that much at all."
But there's no denying that escapism plays a major role too.
"It's just such a wild and unlimited life," said television critic Giles Hardie, "and whilst raping and pillaging isn't something that any of us actually want to experience, when you put it in television it just becomes something that we can watch and be the voyeur."
And while many actresses bemoan the lack of strong female roles, it is not a complaint of Alyssa Sutherland.
"My role is awesome, she's a really strong female. You wouldn't cross paths with Aglargatha but you wouldn't cross Aslaun either. I don't want to give anything away but you definitely see a very powerful side to her as well."
Watch: Extended interview with Alyssa Sutherland
