Classic Time Team Season 6 Episode 9 Turkdean II

Classic Time Team season 6 episode 9, titled Turkdean II, follows the excavation of a Roman villa site in the village of Turkdean, Gloucestershire, England. This episode is a continuation of the previous Turkdean episode, which aired in season 5 and left the team with more questions than answers regarding the history of the site.

Tony Robinson and the team were brought back to Turkdean by the landowner, John Badcocks, who was keen to find out more about the villa on his land. A geophysical survey of the area had revealed the presence of several structures, indicating that the villa may be a larger complex than initially thought.

The team set out to excavate three trenches across the site, each aimed at investigating a different feature of the villa. The first trench was focused on a rectangular ditch that encircled a large area of the site. The second trench was aimed at finding the extent of the villa's bathhouse, which had been partially excavated in the previous episode. The third and final trench was placed over an area that was presumed to have been a farmstead or agricultural complex that supported the villa.

As excavation began, the team found themselves facing a number of challenges. One of the main difficulties was that the site had been plowed over many times, leading to a mixed layer of artifacts that made it difficult to date specific periods of occupation. Additionally, the excavation was complicated by the presence of a large number of clay tiles and rubble, which made it difficult to interpret the architecture of the site.

Despite these difficulties, the team persevered and made some exciting discoveries. In the first trench, they found evidence of a large timber structure that may have been a fence or even a temple. In the second trench, they uncovered more of the bathhouse, including a hypocaust system that heated the floor and walls. Finally, in the third trench, they found evidence of a series of circular pits that may have been used for storing grains or livestock.

As the episode progresses, the team pieces together these disparate finds to develop a more complete picture of the villa and its history. They conclude that the site was occupied from the 2nd to the 4th centuries AD and was likely a high-status residence for a wealthy family. The villa was likely surrounded by a complex array of supporting structures, including farmsteads and livestock enclosures. The team speculates that the site may have been abandoned in the 4th century during the Roman Empire's decline.

Throughout the episode, the team's expertise and enthusiasm shines through as they work to unravel the mysteries of the Turkdean site. Their dedication to uncovering the truth about this ancient villa is a testament to the power of archaeology and the human desire to understand our shared past. Classic Time Team season 6 episode 9 is a fascinating look at the hard work and rewards of archaeology, and is a must-watch for history enthusiasts and Time Team fans alike.