Time Team Season 10 Episode 4 The Giant's Grave, Fetlar, Shetland
- April 25, 2009
In season 10, episode 4 of Time Team titled "The Giant's Grave, Fetlar, Shetland," the team head to the island of Fetlar, situated in the remote Shetland Islands, to investigate a strange mound known locally as the "Giant's Grave." The team's mission is to uncover any evidence that suggests the ancient people of the Shetland Islands believed in giants.
The team consists of presenter Tony Robinson and a group of archaeologists, historians, geophysicists, and other experts. They begin by using a magnetometer to survey the area around the mound for any signs of buried structures or artifacts. The magnetometer can detect small variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by buried features such as walls or ditches.
The team identifies some anomalies in the magnetic readings, which suggests that there may be some man-made structures hidden beneath the surface. They then use a variety of techniques, including ground-penetrating radar, to further investigate these anomalies.
The team also carries out some excavations on the mound itself to search for any evidence of burials or other activity. They discover several large stones that have been placed around the edge of the mound, which could suggest that it was once used as a ceremonial site.
As the investigation progresses, the team uncovers more evidence that supports the local legend of giants. They find a large stone slab that may have been used as a table, as well as a long stone that could have been used as a bench.
The team also discovers a small stone figurine that appears to be a representation of a human figure with exaggerated features, which could be interpreted as a representation of a giant.
Throughout the episode, the team discusses the significance of the Giant's Grave and what it could tell us about the people who lived on the Shetland Islands thousands of years ago. They also explore the myths and legends that surround giants in various cultures around the world.
Overall, "The Giant's Grave, Fetlar, Shetland" is a fascinating episode of Time Team that delves into the history and mythology of the Shetland Islands. The team's investigation reveals some intriguing evidence that suggests the ancient people of the islands may have believed in giants, and viewers are left with plenty to ponder about the meaning and significance of this mysterious mound.