Classic Time Team Season 8 Episode 8 The Bone Caves

Set in Scotland, Classic Time Team season 8 episode 8 titled The Bone Caves is all about exploring the fascinating history of underground caves of the west coast of Scotland. The team meets up with local expert Sven who guides them to explore the hidden bone caves on the island of Skye.

The episode starts with the team settling in their campsite on a beautiful morning on the Isle of Skye. Throughout the episode, the team struggles with the unpredictable weather, which is a challenge for their excavation work. The team also faces difficulties in accessing the caves as they are situated in a challenging location that requires a trek through rugged terrain.

The team, led by host Tony Robinson, sets out to explore the bone caves which were once home to prehistoric people. The team aims to uncover the mystery of the people who inhabited these caves, the tools and techniques they used, and how they survived through these challenging environments. Along the way, they examine clues that could help them find answers to the various questions that have been haunting archaeologists and local people for centuries.

The team examines the bones found in the caves, which belong to various animals, including reindeer. This leads them to ponder about the life of these animals and the reason for their presence in the caves. The team concludes that these animals were most probably hunted by prehistoric humans and used as a source of food. After examining the cave paintings, the team concludes that these paintings were used as maps and navigational references.

The team also observes that the caves were used by different tribes of humans over a time span of thousands of years. This signifies that the caves were not just a temporary dwelling spot but rather a significant landmark in human history. The team discovers human remains from different periods and are quick to deduce that they died due to diseases or other natural factors. Through their examination of the remains, the team is able to deduce that the people who inhabited the caves were skilled at making weapons and tools.

The team examines different artifacts found in the caves which belong to different historical periods. The tools and weapons include antler hammers, wooden digging sticks, and stone-tipped spears. The team also examines pottery items and other decorative objects belonging to different eras, spanning over 5,000 years. These discoveries bring forth the fact that humans inhabited these caves for a very long time, suggesting that these caves were significant for human survival and probably religious activities.

The other aspect of the episode covers the team's efforts to decipher the cause of the flourishing plant life found around the caves. They suspect that this could be because of human waste or food remains that were discarded into the caves, which fertilized the soil and allowed for plant growth. They also speculate the possibility of the introduction of non-native plants by the Vikings or other explorers.

Throughout the episode, the team uses various techniques to uncover the mysteries of the bone caves. They use specialized tools to extract the bones without damaging them and carefully study them for any clues or deformities. The team also explores the underground caves with caution, equipped with specialized lighting and protective gear. The team also brings in an expert who specializes in dating human remains, helping them to piece together a clearer picture of the history of the caves.

In conclusion, The Bone Caves episode of Classic Time Team season 8 is an engaging and highly informative watch. The team's exploration of the bone caves in Scotland is a great showcase of how archaeologists can uncover the mysteries of human history. Through their examination of the bones, artifacts, and surrounding geography, the team is able to deduce the lifestyle and survival techniques of prehistoric humans who called these caves home. The episode also showcases the challenges faced by archaeologists in exploring difficult to access locations and the importance of preserving these historical sites for future generations.