Ep 14. The Mystery of Mine Howe, Orkney

In Time Team season 8 episode 14, titled "The Mystery of Mine Howe, Orkney," the team visits the island of Orkney off the coast of Scotland to investigate a mysterious underground chamber known as Mine Howe. The site is believed to date back to the Iron Age, but little is known about its purpose or function.

The team begins by surveying the surrounding area with the help of a local archaeologist, trying to determine if Mine Howe was part of a larger complex or settlement. They also look for any signs of activity that may have taken place in the vicinity of the site, such as quarries or burial sites.

Once they have a better understanding of the area, the team begins excavating the site itself. The first challenge they face is removing the collapsed material that has filled the chamber over the centuries. Using shovels and trowels, they methodically work their way through the rubble, sifting it for any artifacts or clues.

As they clear away the debris, the team begins to uncover some intriguing features of the site. For example, they find a pair of stone walls that may have once supported a wooden staircase leading down to the chamber. They also discover a series of steps cut into the bedrock that appear to lead to an upper level, but it's unclear if this was a natural feature of the site or part of an intentional design.

As they dig deeper, the team uncovers more clues about the purpose of Mine Howe. They find evidence of ancient fires and charred wood, suggesting that the chamber was used for some kind of ritual or ceremonial activity. They also discover a number of strange objects, including a carved stone ball that may have been used in games or divination.

One of the biggest puzzles the team faces is the design of the chamber itself. Unlike other similar structures found in the area, Mine Howe is a unique shape that doesn't seem to have any obvious function. The team speculates that it may have been used for astronomical observations or even as a kind of underground arena.

Throughout the episode, the team faces a number of challenges, including bad weather and the unexpected collapse of part of the site. But through it all, they remain committed to uncovering the secrets of Mine Howe. By the end of the episode, they have made some significant discoveries and gained a new appreciation for the rich archaeological heritage of Orkney.