Ep 4. A Waltham Villa, Gloucestershire

In Time Team season 8 episode 4, titled "A Waltham Villa, Gloucestershire," the team is tasked with uncovering the remains of a Roman villa in the picturesque town of Waltham, Gloucestershire. The site has been largely untouched since its discovery a decade earlier, with only a small portion excavated. The team, led by presenter Tony Robinson, sets out to uncover the villa's layout and shed light on the lives of the people who once lived there.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the Roman occupation of Britain and the impact it had on the landscape. The team then delves into the history of the Waltham site, revealing that it was once a wealthy agricultural estate with a grand villa at its center. The villa was likely built in the late 1st century AD and was occupied until the early 5th century.

The team begins their excavation by conducting a ground-penetrating radar survey of the site. This technology allows them to see beneath the surface of the earth without disturbing any potentially valuable artifacts. The survey reveals the outlines of several buildings and a large courtyard, giving the team their first glimpse of the villa's layout.

As they begin to dig, the team unearths a number of fascinating finds. Among the most notable are several fragments of decorative floor tiles depicting mythological creatures, including a griffin and a winged horse. These tiles suggest that the villa was decorated with great care and attention to detail.

The team also uncovers evidence of a once-lavish bathhouse, complete with a heated room, a cold plunge pool, and a hypocaust system for heating the water. This sort of luxury was typically only found in the homes of the wealthiest Romans, further indicating the high status of the villa's inhabitants.

As they continue to dig, the team makes a surprising discovery. While excavating a small room near the bathhouse, they uncover a layer of charcoal and ash. This suggests that the room was once used as a kitchen, and that a fire had erupted during cooking. The room had then been sealed off, effectively preserving the fire and its contents for nearly two thousand years.

The team carefully removes the contents of the room, which include a variety of cooking utensils and pots. These objects provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the villa's inhabitants and allowed the team to learn more about the types of food that were prepared and eaten there.

Throughout the episode, the team faces a number of challenges, including inclement weather and difficult terrain. Despite these obstacles, they are able to reveal a great deal about the villa and the people who once called it home. The episode ends with the team reflecting on their findings and the incredible story of the Waltham villa.

Overall, Time Team season 8 episode 4, "A Waltham Villa, Gloucestershire," provides a fascinating look at the Roman occupation of Britain and the lives of those who lived during that time. Through careful excavation and analysis, the team is able to paint a vivid picture of a once-great estate and its inhabitants.