The Druids' Last Stand (Anglesey) | S14E04 | Time Team

Time Team Classics・2 minutes read

A massive earthwork on Anglesey sparks interest as the team investigates its origins, initially believed to be Iron Age but later revealed as a post-medieval farmstead through excavation and geophysical surveys. Despite challenges, discoveries of Roman coins and Iron Age features reshape the understanding of the area's history, shedding light on the region's ancient past and the potential influence of Druids.

Insights

  • The initial discovery of a massive earthwork on Anglesey sparked excitement for a potentially significant archaeological find, initially thought to be Iron Age but later revealed to be a post-medieval farmstead, showcasing the complexities of interpreting ancient sites accurately.
  • Through meticulous excavation and analysis, the team uncovered evidence of Anglesey's lost Iron Age world, possibly dominated by Druids, challenging preconceived notions and reshaping the understanding of the region's history, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration and reevaluation in archaeological endeavors.

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Recent questions

  • What was discovered on the north coast of Anglesey in 2006?

    In early 2006, a massive earthwork was spotted on the north coast of Anglesey during an aerial survey.

  • What was the potential origin of the earthwork discovered in Wales?

    The earthwork in Wales, initially thought to be from the Iron Age, was later revealed to be part of a post-medieval farmstead, not Iron Age as initially believed.

  • What challenges did the team face during the excavation of the earthwork?

    The team faced challenges with weather, lack of significant finds, and struggles to uncover evidence of Iron Age life within the enclosure during the excavation.

  • What significant discovery reshaped the understanding of the hill's history?

    An unexpected Bronze Age grave dating back 4,000 years was found, reshaping the understanding of the hill's history from a burial site to a chieftain's power base.

  • What did the team successfully construct during the investigation?

    The team successfully constructed a wicker man to explore Druidic practices, reflecting on ancient customs and the influence of Druids on British traditions.

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Summary

00:00

Mysterious Earthwork in Wales: Uncovering Ancient Secrets

  • In early 2006, a light aircraft spotted a massive earthwork on the north coast of Anglesey during an aerial survey.
  • The earthwork, the length of two football pitches, was previously unknown and is located in an archaeologically rich landscape on the island once inhabited by the mysterious Druids.
  • The team has three days to investigate the earthwork in Wales, which has never been excavated or properly identified.
  • Geophysics survey reveals a large site with banks and ditches, potentially from the Iron Age, not Roman as previously thought.
  • The earthwork could be a remnant of the people the Romans aimed to destroy in AD 61, the Druids, or a Roman fort to suppress the local population.
  • Trenches are dug to explore the site, revealing possible entrances, settlement evidence, and a stone rampart.
  • Evidence of Iron Age Celts and Druids is discussed, with ritual deposition practices mentioned as seen in other sites.
  • Despite initial excitement, further excavation reveals the earthwork is part of a post-medieval farmstead, not Iron Age as initially thought.
  • Coins found in the trenches, potentially early Roman, are sent for dating to determine the site's timeline and purpose.
  • The team faces challenges with weather and lack of significant finds, but geophysics reveals a field full of archaeology, hinting at a prehistoric settlement awaiting further exploration.

17:33

Iron Age Enclosure: Roman Influence and Druids

  • Iron Age pottery is not typically found in this region, but the depth of the ditch is acceptable.
  • The shape of the enclosure resembles others found around farmsteads in the area, not rectangular but more natural.
  • The site appears more native than Roman, as it lacks precise layout typical of Roman construction.
  • Buildings are usually found in the center of such sites, so focus should be on that area despite modern plowing.
  • Excavations have not yet revealed any Iron Age settlement within the enclosure.
  • Aerial photos suggest circular features in the neighboring field, indicating an active prehistoric landscape.
  • Despite efforts, the team struggles to find evidence of Iron Age life within the enclosure.
  • Roman coins have been found, aiding in dating the site to potentially the first century.
  • The role and existence of Druids in ancient times are discussed, with conflicting views between Roman accounts and modern interpretations.
  • The team faces challenges in uncovering evidence of Iron Age structures within the enclosure, requiring further excavation and analysis.

32:35

Uncovering Anglesey's Iron Age Secrets

  • Francis theorizes that the earthworks are not natural but a covering over something underneath, leading to the discovery of post holes and a large pit.
  • The team uncovers evidence of Anglesey's lost Iron Age world, possibly dominated by Druids, with sacrificial practices.
  • A wicker man is constructed to explore Druidic practices, facing challenges due to dry willow and strong winds.
  • Investigations in a nearby field reveal a network of ditches, suggesting agricultural use rather than settlement.
  • The main enclosure indicates a high-status site with a stone revetment accompanying a large ditch, possibly resembling a fort.
  • Small post holes in the enclosure suggest the presence of Iron Age houses, with experimental reconstructions showing their design.
  • A Bronze Age grave is unexpectedly found, dating back 4,000 years, reshaping the understanding of the hill's history.
  • The hill's history spans 4,000 years, from a burial site to a chieftain's power base, impacted by Roman invasion and eventual abandonment.
  • Despite historical changes, the team successfully constructs a wicker man, reflecting on ancient customs and the influence of Druids on British traditions.
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