Ep 2. On the Edge of the Empire

In Time Team season 1 episode 2, titled "On the Edge of the Empire," the team travels to Lihou Island, located off the coast of Guernsey, to explore ancient Roman ruins and uncover evidence of early island life.

The episode begins with a scenic overview of the island, which is only accessible during low tide. Tony Robinson, the show's host, explains that the island has a rich history spanning thousands of years, from prehistoric times to the Roman occupation and beyond.

The team's first task is to excavate a Roman structure that was discovered on the island several years prior. The structure is believed to have been a storage shed or barracks for Roman soldiers stationed on the island. The team sets up a grid system to carefully excavate the area and record any findings.

As the excavation progresses, the team uncovers evidence of the Roman occupation, including pottery shards, coins, and a piece of lead with the inscription, "EX LEG X." Matt Williams, the show's archaeologist, explains that this inscription means the piece of lead was created by the Tenth Legion, a famous Roman legion that was involved in the invasion of Britain.

As the team continues to excavate, they find evidence of pre-Roman activity on the island as well. They discover a series of stonework platforms that were likely used for drying fish, as well as a stone causeway that connected the island to nearby rocks during low tide. These discoveries suggest that the island was inhabited long before the Romans arrived.

The team also explores a section of the island known as "The Humps," a series of mounds that have puzzled archaeologists for years. Using ground-penetrating radar, the team discovers evidence of ditches and structures beneath the mounds, which suggest that they may have been part of an ancient fortification.

One of the most exciting discoveries of the episode comes when the team investigates a large boulder on the island that has been engraved with a series of mysterious symbols. The rock, known as the "Fulcrum Stone," has intrigued archaeologists for years. The team uses a technique called photogrammetry to create a 3D model of the stone, which they can then study in detail. After consulting with experts, they discover that the symbols on the stone are a form of ancient communication known as ogham, used by the Celts in the early medieval period.

Overall, "On the Edge of the Empire" is an exciting and informative episode of Time Team that showcases the island's rich history and the team's impressive archaeological techniques. The discoveries made on Lihou Island shed new light on the island's prehistoric and Roman past, and provide insight into the daily lives of the people who once lived on its shores.