Ep 7. Going Upmarket with the Romans, Standish, Gloucestershire

In the Time Team season 12 episode 7 titled Going Upmarket with the Romans, archaeologists and historians explore Standish, Gloucestershire in search of evidence of Roman influence. The team investigates an area believed to have been home to Roman elites in the first century AD.

Led by the show's host, Tony Robinson, the team uncovers a wealth of information about Roman life and luxury. They discover a hypocaust, which was a central heating system used by the Romans to keep their homes warm. By analyzing the structure and materials used in the hypocaust, the team pieces together what life was like for the Romans living in this area.

In addition to the hypocaust, the team also discovers evidence of Roman plumbing. They uncover a lead pipe that runs beneath the site, which would have been used to carry water to the elite homes of the area. This discovery sheds light on the sophisticated engineering techniques employed by the Romans in their daily lives.

One of the most exciting revelations of the episode comes in the form of a rare gemstone. While excavating the site, one of the team members uncovers a beautiful, intricately carved gemstone that is believed to have been used in Roman jewelry. This discovery provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Roman elite.

Throughout the episode, the team also delves into the history of Standish itself. They uncover evidence of Anglo-Saxon and medieval settlements in the area, which adds depth and context to their understanding of the Roman occupation.

As always, Time Team combines meticulous research with entertaining insights and anecdotes. Robinson and his team bring the history of Standish to life, revealing a vibrant and diverse past that stretches back centuries.

Going Upmarket with the Romans is a fascinating exploration of the Roman occupation of England, and an excellent addition to the Time Team series. The team's discoveries shed new light on the opulence and sophistication of Roman life, while also providing insights into the broader historical context of the area.