Ep 9. From Iron-Age Rubbish Pits to a Roman Villa, Wittenham

Time Team season 11 episode 9 takes viewers to Wittenham, an ancient settlement located near the River Thames in southern England. In this episode, the team uncovers evidence of an Iron-Age settlement and a Roman villa on the same site.

The team starts by investigating a set of large pits that were believed to have been used for trash disposal during the Iron Age. They discover a variety of artifacts that allow them to piece together what life was like for the people who lived in the settlement during that time period. These artifacts include fragments of pottery, animal bones, and evidence of ironworking.

As they continue to dig, the team discovers that the settlement was much larger and more complex than they initially thought. They find evidence of multiple phases of construction, including a ditch and bank system that was likely used for defensive purposes.

The most surprising discovery, however, comes when they uncover the remains of a Roman villa on the same site. This suggests that the settlement was occupied for a much longer period of time than previously believed. The team works to uncover the villa's layout and determine how it was used by its inhabitants.

Throughout the episode, the team is aided by local experts and historians who provide context and insight into the significance of the discoveries they're making. They also encounter challenges such as inclement weather and difficult terrain, which they must overcome in order to complete their investigation.

Overall, this episode of Time Team offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Wittenham thousands of years ago. Through their discoveries, the team sheds light on the way that people lived, worked, and interacted with their environment in an era that is often shrouded in mystery.