Classic Time Team Season 10 Episode 4 The Giant's Grave

In the Classic Time Team season 10 episode 4 titled "The Giant's Grave," the team travels to Anglesey, an island off the coast of Wales. Their mission is to investigate a circular feature known as a 'barrow' that was discovered in a farmer's field. The farmer had previously intended to plough up the area, but thankfully alerted archaeologists to its presence before any damage was done.

The team begins by conducting a geophysical survey to get a better idea of what lies beneath the soil. The results show that there are several smaller barrows surrounding the central one, indicating that the site may have been an important burial ground. Further excavation in the central barrow reveals the remains of a cist – a small, stone-lined box – which would have held the ashes of the deceased.

As they continue to dig, the team uncovers a number of artefacts, including pottery and flint tools. One of the most intriguing finds is a small, intricately carved stone figure. It is unclear what purpose the figure served, but it is clear that a great deal of care and skill was put into its creation.

The team also discovers a stone slab with six deep holes carved into it. The holes are evenly spaced and the same size, leading the team to speculate that they may have been used for some kind of musical instrument. Theories abound as to what kind of instrument it might have been and what sort of music would have been played on it.

As they continue to work, the team uncovers evidence that the site was used for burials over a period of several thousand years. They find older barrows that pre-date the central one, as well as evidence of later burials that took place after the central barrow was constructed.

Despite the tantalising clues, it proves difficult for the team to pin down exactly what the site was used for. Some team members speculate that it was a sacred site, possibly used for religious or spiritual ceremonies. Others believe that it may have been a place of pilgrimage or remembrance, visited by people from far and wide.

Regardless of its purpose, the team agrees that the site is of great significance and should be protected from any future development. The farmer who owns the land agrees to allow it to be designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which will afford it legal protection.

As the team packs up to leave, they express their awe and gratitude at having been able to work on such an important and historic site. They hope that their findings will help shed light on the people who used the site and why it was so important to them. Overall, "The Giant's Grave" is a fascinating episode that showcases the importance of understanding our ancestors and the archaeological sites they left behind.