Classic Time Team Season 7 Episode 2 The Mosaic at the Bottom of the Garden

Classic Time Team is a British television show that explores archeological sites across the UK. The show is led by host Tony Robinson and a team of archeologists, who use the latest technology and techniques to uncover hidden clues about the country's past. In season 7, episode 2, entitled The Mosaic at the Bottom of the Garden, the team visits a private home in Northamptonshire, where they discover a remarkable Roman mosaic that has been hidden for centuries.

The episode begins with the team arriving at a beautiful estate, where they meet the owners, John and Brenda. John is a retired businessman and avid gardener, who has spent many years landscaping the gardens and grounds. Brenda is an artist and historian, who is fascinated by the history of the local area and the people who once lived there.

As the team begins their investigation, they uncover evidence of a Roman villa that once stood on the site, dating back to the 2nd century AD. They discover a series of walls, foundations and footings that suggest the villa was large and luxurious, with many rooms and a central courtyard. They also find evidence of a hypocaust, a system of underfloor heating that was used in Roman times.

But the most exciting discovery comes when the team begins to excavate an area near the garden pond, where John had spotted a strange pattern of stones on the bottom. As they remove the soil and sediment, they uncover a stunning Roman mosaic, made up of tiny tiles arranged in intricate patterns and colorful designs. The mosaic depicts a scene of a hunting party, with horses, hounds and wild animals, all beautifully rendered in vibrant colors.

The team is amazed by the quality and scale of the mosaic, which is one of the largest and most well-preserved examples ever found in the UK. They work carefully to clean and protect it, using special techniques and materials to ensure it will last for many years to come. They also work with local experts to research the history and significance of the mosaic, and to try and understand more about the people who created it.

Throughout the episode, Tony Robinson provides commentary and insight into the archaeology of the site, as well as the social and cultural context of the Roman era. He explains how the villa would have been a center of wealth and power, and how the mosaic would have been designed and created by skilled craftsmen, using complex techniques and materials.

The team faces many challenges along the way, including bad weather, equipment malfunctions, and the delicate nature of the mosaic itself. But they persevere, driven by their passion for discovery and their desire to uncover the secrets of the past.

In the end, the episode ends on a high note, with the team marveling at the beauty and intricacy of the mosaic they have discovered. They reflect on the importance of preserving such treasures for future generations, and the role of archaeology in illuminating the rich history of the UK. Classic Time Team season 7, episode 2 is a fascinating and engaging look at the world of archaeology, and the people and artifacts that shape our understanding of the past.