Classic Time Team Season 5 Episode 4 Turkdean, Gloucestershire

In this episode of Classic Time Team, the team visits Turkdean, a small village in the county of Gloucestershire, England. The village is known for its picturesque surroundings that include hills, valleys, and a series of springs. The team is tasked with finding evidence of a Roman villa that was thought to be located in the area.

The team begins by conducting a geophysical survey of the site. They use ground-penetrating radar and other technologies to detect any underground anomalies that could indicate the presence of the Roman villa. The survey reveals several interesting features, including a series of walls and a possible roadway.

The team then moves on to excavating a section of the site where the geophysical survey detected the most anomalies. They begin by digging a trench and quickly discover a layer of Roman tiles and other artifacts that confirm the presence of a Roman building. The team also finds evidence of an earlier settlement, including Saxon pottery and other artifacts.

As the team continues to excavate the site, they make several more discoveries. They unearth the foundations of a large Roman building, possibly a bathhouse, as well as several smaller structures. They also find evidence of iron-smelting and other industrial activities that were likely undertaken by the Roman inhabitants of the area.

Throughout the excavation, the team faces several challenges. The site is located on a steep hillside, which makes digging and moving materials difficult. The weather also presents challenges, with heavy rain and strong winds making working conditions difficult for the team.

Despite these challenges, the team works diligently to uncover as much information as possible about the Roman villa and the people who inhabited the area. They use the artifacts they find to piece together a picture of life in the area during the Roman period, including details about the way people lived, worked, and worshiped.

As the excavation comes to a close, the team reflects on the discoveries they have made and the insights they have gained into the history of Turkdean and the surrounding area. They also consider the challenges of conducting archaeological research, from the physical demands of the work to the uncertain nature of the evidence they are working with.

Overall, this episode of Classic Time Team provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Roman Britain and the challenges of conducting archaeological research in the field. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply a curious viewer, it will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into uncovering the secrets of the past.