Ep 4. The Druids' Last Stand, Anglesey
- July 3, 2009
In the Time Team season 14 episode 4 titled "The Druids' Last Stand, Anglesey," the team travels to the northwestern island of Anglesey, situated off the coast of North Wales in the United Kingdom. Anglesey has been a significant site of prehistoric activity, with many ancient structures and monuments dotted across the region.
The focus of this episode is the events surrounding the Roman invasion of Britain in the first century AD and the Druids' resistance to Roman rule. Anglesey was considered the heartland of the Druid religion and was an important center for their activities. The Romans were aware of this and determined to crush the Druids and their religion.
The Time Team is tasked with exploring the remnants of the conflict between the Druids and the Romans. They begin by examining a hill fort, known as Din Lligwy, which dates back to the Iron Age. The fort is situated on a hill overlooking the Anglesey coastline and was used as a defensive position by the Druids. The team examines the fort and the surrounding area for any indications of the event that took place there.
Next, the team visits the site of a Roman fort, Caer Gybi, which was established on the coast to monitor activity on Anglesey. They excavate the site and look for traces of the conflict, such as evidence of military fortifications or weapons. The team also examines the artifacts found at the site to understand how the military fort functioned and what kind of equipment was used.
The Time Team then goes to Llyn Cerrig Bach, a small lake near the center of Anglesey, where a remarkable archaeological discovery was made in the 1940s. A small boat loaded with ancient artifacts, including Roman amphorae, was found in the lake. It is believed that the boat was deliberately sunk by the Druids as part of a religious ritual.
The team dives into the lake and searches for any remaining artifacts or clues about why the boat was sunk. They also examine the surrounding area for any signs of Druid activity, such as religious sites or burial grounds.
Throughout the episode, the team consults with experts in Roman history and the Druid religion to gain a better understanding of the events and people involved in the conflict. The experts help to shed light on the significance of the sites and artifacts the team uncovers.
"The Druids' Last Stand, Anglesey" is a fascinating exploration of a little-known period of British history. The Time Team's discoveries shed new light on the conflict between the Romans and the Druids and provide insight into their respective cultures. The episode also showcases the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in archaeology, as the team draws on experts from multiple fields to gain a fuller understanding of the context and significance of their findings.
