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The Race To Protect Priceless Ancient Artefacts From The British Army | Time Team | Odyssey

Odyssey - Ancient History Documentaries・43 minutes read

Archaeologists working with the Army aim to protect archaeological sites from damage caused by military exercises, using geophysics to identify potential features. The team uncovers a Roman villa and Iron Age structures, concluding that the site should be preserved and presented to English Heritage for scheduling and management.

Insights

  • Geophysics plays a crucial role in identifying potential archaeological features such as Iron Age houses and Roman villas, aiding in the protection of these sites from damage caused by military activities.
  • The discovery of a Roman villa at Beaches Barn, alongside Iron Age structures like banjo enclosures, showcases a site that underwent rapid assimilation into Roman ways of life, highlighting the historical significance and complexity of the area's archaeological findings.

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Recent questions

  • What is the focus of the History Hit Network channel?

    The History Hit Network channel focuses on archaeology on Salisbury Plain, known for its extensive undisturbed archaeology.

  • How do archaeologists aim to protect archaeological sites from damage?

    Archaeologists working with the Army aim to protect archaeological sites from damage caused by military exercises.

  • What techniques are used to identify potential archaeological features?

    Geophysics is used to identify potential archaeological features like ditches, circles (possibly Iron Age), and rectangles (possibly Roman).

  • What structures are considered high-status Iron Age features?

    Banjo enclosures are considered high-status Iron Age structures, potentially more important than hill forts.

  • What was the team's conclusion after completing the dig?

    The team concludes their dig, identifying a small Roman Villa as the center of a farm estate, planning to present findings to English Heritage for scheduling and management to preserve the site.

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Summary

00:00

Salisbury Plain Archaeology: Protecting History from Military

  • The channel is part of the History Hit Network, with a focus on archaeology on Salisbury Plain, known for its extensive undisturbed archaeology.
  • The area is vast, covering 38,000 hectares, equivalent to the size of the Isle of Wight, used for military maneuvers and archaeological sites.
  • Beaches Barn, a plowed field, holds significant archaeology, potentially Iron Age houses and a Roman villa, facing threats from military activities.
  • Archaeologists working with the Army aim to protect archaeological sites from damage caused by military exercises.
  • Geophysics is used to identify potential archaeological features like ditches, circles (possibly Iron Age), and rectangles (possibly Roman).
  • A project to build an Iron Age roundhouse in three days is undertaken, involving Iron Age carpentry techniques like wattle and daub construction.
  • A helicopter reconnaissance is conducted to identify archaeological signs of habitation, revealing Bronze Age barrows and historical settlement patterns.
  • Excavations reveal late Roman artifacts like a hypercourse tile and late Roman pottery, indicating continued Roman activity into the 5th century.
  • Complexities arise in trench excavations, revealing Iron Age field boundaries and settlement features, with hopes of uncovering a Roman building.
  • Challenges persist in opening a second trench to investigate circular and rectangular shapes due to geophysical survey delays.

16:21

Iron Age Banjo Enclosures and Roman Villa

  • Banjo enclosures are considered high-status Iron Age structures, potentially more important than hill forts.
  • They are circular with entrance ways and curving ditches around the outside.
  • Evidence of a banjo-shaped Iron Age enclosure is found, along with a possible third building and a Roman roof tile.
  • The Roman building is believed to be large, rectangular, and high status, possibly a villa.
  • The area shows signs of rapid assimilation into Roman ways of life.
  • Geophysics reveal the presence of two banjos and a potential Roman building complex.
  • The team focuses on locating the Roman structure, with one banjo already excavated.
  • Iron Age pottery and a bone comb are discovered in the banjo enclosure ditch.
  • The team works on thatching a roundhouse for insulation against the cold and wind.
  • Geophysics results indicate a Roman villa location, prompting the start of a trench excavation.

31:51

Excavating Roman site reveals historical significance

  • Using a clever technique to prevent a roof from buckling up when hitting it with an arm on the reed.
  • Clearing rubble gently from a high-level area to avoid further collapse.
  • Excavating a Roman building site to uncover walls and potentially discover who lived there.
  • Uncovering a Roman villa with roofing tiles and building rubble, hinting at a significant find.
  • Assessing the site's size, condition, and inhabitants to determine its historical significance.
  • Investigating a Roman building with roof tiles and pottery, indicating high status.
  • Discovering post holes in a banjo enclosure, suggesting residential structures rather than livestock pens.
  • Exploring Iron Age roundhouses and their construction materials, highlighting the scale of resources needed.
  • Discussing the longevity of Iron Age roundhouses based on post configurations and materials used.
  • Uncovering a Roman building's walls and artifacts, including a corn stone for grinding wheat, aiding in dating the site.

46:42

Roman Villa Uncovered at Beaches Barn Site

  • The team concludes their dig, identifying a small Roman Villa as the center of a farm estate, planning to present findings to English Heritage for scheduling and management to preserve the site.
  • The site, dating back to 400 BC to 400 AD, features banjo enclosures from the late Iron Age and a Roman villa with plastered walls, providing enough information for scheduling and achieving their goal of preserving Beaches Barn.
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