Ep 1. Bronze Age Pompeii

In this episode of Digging for Britain, the team sets out to uncover the secrets of Bronze Age Pompeii in the southwest of England. The location of this settlement has long been known to archaeologists, but the team hopes to unearth new information about the people who lived there and what their lives may have been like.

The Bronze Age was a time of great change in Britain, with the introduction of new technologies like bronze tools and weapons, changes in farming practices, and the rise of complex societies and trade networks. Pompeii, which was occupied from around 1700-1400 BCE, is thought to have been an important hub of activity in the region during this time.

To begin their investigation, the team visits a nearby quarry where many of the stones used to construct Pompeii were likely sourced. Here they find evidence of early mining techniques, including the use of stone tools and fire-setting to break apart the rock. They also discover a previously unknown burial site containing the remains of several individuals, providing a glimpse into the lives and deaths of people from this period.

Back at Pompeii itself, the team begins excavating a series of pits throughout the settlement in order to better understand how it was constructed and how it changed over time. They uncover evidence of several different phases of inhabitation, including areas of buildings with well-preserved walls and floors, as well as shallow pits that may have been used for storage or cooking.

One particularly exciting find is a large building that appears to have been a communal gathering place. The team discovers burnt food remains, animal bones, and pottery shards that suggest large feasts may have been held here, perhaps as part of important religious or social ceremonies.

As the excavation continues, the team also uncovers evidence of how the settlement was defended against potential attacks. They find a system of ditches and ramparts that would have made it difficult for invaders to penetrate the interior of the settlement. Additionally, they find evidence of a large ditch that was likely used to store grain or other foodstuffs in preparation for times of scarcity.

Throughout the episode, the team also discusses the challenges of interpreting the evidence they uncover. Without written records from this time period, much of what is known about Bronze Age Britain comes from material culture like pottery, metalwork, and other artifacts. However, even these clues can be difficult to interpret without a thorough understanding of the context in which they were found.

Despite these challenges, the team is able to piece together a fascinating picture of life in Pompeii during the Bronze Age. They uncover evidence of complex social structures, sophisticated building techniques, and evidence of the everyday lives of people who lived over 3000 years ago. As always, Digging for Britain delivers a fascinating window into the past and the tireless work of the archaeologists who are dedicated to uncovering its secrets.