Classic Time Team Season 1 Episode 2 On the Edge of an Empire

On the Edge of an Empire is the second episode of the first season of Classic Time Team. The episode is set in the stunning countryside of Northumberland, located in northern England. The team is enlisted to investigate an ancient settlement that is believed to have been located on the very edge of the Roman Empire.

The episode begins with the team assembling on-site and discussing some of the primary theories surrounding the settlement that they are about to investigate. The area in question has been the subject of archaeological interest for many years, but no definitive conclusions have been reached. The team is excited about the opportunity to bring new insight to the area.

The first part of the investigation involves geophysical surveys, which are conducted using various techniques that help to map out the underground landscape. The team is assisted by expert geophysicists, who use techniques like ground-penetrating radar to locate buried structures and other features. The data collected during the geophysical survey is analyzed on site to develop an initial understanding of the site.

Using the data collected from the geophysical survey, the team decides on a couple of areas to investigate more closely. They begin excavations and quickly identify the remains of a large stone wall which may have surrounded the settlement. They also find many smaller structures which may have been individual homes or workshops used by the settlement’s inhabitants.

As the team continues to excavate the site, they uncover more and more evidence of the settlement’s Roman roots. They find a Roman-style well, evidence of ironworking, and a small building that may have been a temple dedicated to the Roman god, Mars. As they dig deeper, they find coins, beads, and other artifacts that help them understand the daily life of the settlement’s inhabitants.

Throughout the episode, the team is joined by various experts, including a Roman historian who shares his knowledge of the region during the time when the settlement was thriving. The historian explains how the military presence in the region may have impacted the people who lived there.

As the investigation continues, the team faces many challenges, including inclement weather and unexpected natural obstacles. However, they are determined to uncover as much as possible about the ancient settlement and the people who once lived there. Along the way, they share their discoveries with the local community, building support and interest in the ongoing project.

In the final moments of the episode, the team pieces together the various clues and evidence they have uncovered to offer their own theory regarding the settlement’s past. The episode concludes with the team acknowledging that although much is still unknown about the settlement and the people who lived there, their investigation has shed new light on the site and its history.

Overall, On the Edge of an Empire is a fascinating glimpse into the world of archaeology and a perfect example of the type of in-depth investigation that Time Team was famous for. The episode is a must-watch for history buffs, and the breathtaking landscape of Northumberland provides the perfect backdrop for the story of this ancient settlement.