Classic Time Team Season 3 Episode 6 Treasures of the Roman Field

This episode of Classic Time Team season 3, titled "Treasures of the Roman Field," takes the team to a rural farmstead in the English countryside believed to be the site of a Roman villa. As always, the team lead by Tony Robinson, includes a range of experts such as archaeologists Phil Harding, Mick Aston and Carenza Lewis, geophysicist John Gater and landscape historian Brian Davison, as well as a group of eager volunteers.

The team begin their investigation by conducting a geophysical survey of the site, using ground penetrating radar and magnetometry. The results reveal a range of interesting features, including what appears to be a large courtyard and possible outbuildings. With these initial findings, the team decide to focus their excavation efforts on a section of the site that could potentially be the location of the main villa building.

As the team begins their excavation, they discover a range of Roman artefacts, including pottery, coins and even hypocaust tiles used for underfloor heating. As they uncover more and more of the site, they begin to piece together a picture of what life would have been like on this rural Roman estate. The team speculates that the villa would have been home to a wealthy landowner, possibly a member of the Roman elite, who would have overseen the farming and production of wine, oil and wool on the estate.

The team's excavation also reveals evidence of a possible Roman road, which would have linked the villa to nearby towns and cities. The team uncovers a series of ditches and tracks, which they believe would have been used as markers for the road. Excavation of these features yields pottery and other artefacts dating back to the Roman period, confirming their suspicions.

As the team continues to dig, they begin to uncover more evidence of the villa's past occupants. They find evidence of a granary, which would have been used to store grains grown on the estate, as well as a possible underground cold storage area for food preservation. The team also discovers evidence of a possible bathhouse, complete with a hypocaust system and intricate mosaic flooring.

Throughout the excavation, the team is visited by a range of experts who provide additional context and insight into the history of the site. Mary-Ann Ochota, an anthropologist and presenter of the series "Britain's Secret Treasures," joins the team to explore the potential significance of the finds they are making. Additionally, historian Julian Richards visits the site to give his thoughts on the history and context of the Roman period in Britain.

The team's discoveries also lead to some surprising revelations about the villa's past. They uncover evidence of a violent attack on the villa, which they speculate may have been carried out by local tribesmen during a period of unrest. The team also discovers a range of unusual artefacts, including an enigmatic metal object whose purpose remains a mystery.

As the excavation reaches its conclusion, the team reflects on their remarkable discoveries at the site. They have uncovered evidence of a Roman estate that would have been a center of agricultural and industrial production in its day. Their findings provide valuable insight into the lives of rural Roman landowners and their relationship with the landscape around them.

Overall, "Treasures of the Roman Field" is a fascinating and illuminating episode of Classic Time Team. The team's discoveries shed light on the history of rural Roman life and the importance of the countryside in the economy and society of the Roman empire. The combination of expert analysis, historical context and on-site excavation make for an engaging and informative viewing experience that will be of interest to anyone with an interest in archaeology or ancient history.