FEATURE LENGTH | TIME TEAM β Broughton Roman Villa (Oxfordshire) - Days 1-3, Series 21 (Dig 2)
TLDRThe Time Team investigates a Roman villa in Oxfordshire, believed to rival Buckingham Palace in size. Using geophys and excavation, they uncover substantial walls, luxurious decorations like mosaics and frescoes, and a sophisticated water management system. The villa's heyday seems to be in the 3rd and 4th centuries, with evidence of a high-status owner, possibly a grain supplier to the Roman army. The team also explores the history of Broughton Castle and its connections to a mysterious 'room that hath no ears' from the Civil War era.
Takeaways
- π° The documentary explores Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire, which has been the seat of the Fiennes family for 700 years and is known for appearances in films and TV productions.
- πΊ In 1963, a Romano-British lady was found buried in a lead-lined sarcophagus near the castle, sparking an investigation into her identity and the nearby Roman villa.
- π΅οΈββοΈ Amateur archaeologist Keith Westcott and his team discovered a large Roman villa beneath a field of turnips using the latest imaging technology within a three-day timeframe.
- π The villa is located south of Banbury at the confluence of three rivers and is near an extensive Roman settlement, indicating a significant Roman presence in the area.
- π Geophysical surveys and excavations revealed the villa's layout, including a possible bathhouse, storage rooms, and a mysterious conduit, suggesting a complex and well-planned structure.
- π οΈ Archaeologists found Roman roof tiles, stone slates, and a large nail, indicating a building that underwent maintenance and had both ceramic and stone roofing materials.
- πΊ A pottery find and the presence of hypocaust tiles suggest the villa had central heating, indicating a high-status residence.
- π£ The site's stratigraphy and doorways provide clues to the villa's use and the movement of people within the building.
- πΏ The villa's location on a steep slope presented challenges in excavation but also revealed the Romans' sophisticated use of the landscape for architectural design.
- π€ The villa's size and features raise questions about its purpose, whether it was a luxurious private residence or an agricultural estate, and its connection to the mysterious woman in the sarcophagus.
Q & A
What is the significance of Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire and its connection to the Roman villa?
-Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire is significant because it has been the seat of the Fiennes family for 700 years and is recognizable from films and TV productions. The connection to the Roman villa comes from the discovery of a Romano-British lady buried in a lead-lined sarcophagus near the castle, which led to the investigation of a potentially large Roman villa nearby.
Who was the amateur archaeologist that initiated the investigation of the Roman villa?
-The amateur archaeologist who initiated the investigation of the Roman villa was Keith Westcott.
What technology was used by the Time Team to investigate the possible site of the Roman villa?
-The Time Team used the latest imaging technology, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetometry, to investigate the possible site of the Roman villa.
What was the unusual feature found in the northern part of the field that raised questions about the Roman villa's water supply?
-The unusual feature was a big ditch that some people thought might be a conduit for water supply to the bathhouse. However, the problem was that it seemed to be flowing uphill, which raised questions about its actual purpose.
What was the significance of the Roman roof tiles and stone roofing slates found at the site?
-The Roman roof tiles and stone roofing slates found at the site suggest a mix of construction materials used in the villa, indicating a long period of occupation and potential rebuilding over time. The presence of both ceramic and stone tiles suggests a complex history of the villa's construction and use.
What was the purpose of the large nail found during the excavation?
-The large nail could have been used in the construction of the villa or for fixing box tiles to the wall. Its size and preservation suggest it was used for significant building projects.
What does the discovery of a shaped piece of stone with a metal insert suggest about the villa's past?
-The discovery of a shaped piece of stone with a metal insert, resembling a horn with fingernails, suggests the presence of a woodwind instrument, indicating a cultural aspect of the villa's inhabitants.
What was the significance of the stepped ponds found in the valley near the villa?
-The stepped ponds found in the valley could indicate a water management system, possibly for a bathhouse or other villa functions. They also might suggest an ornamental garden, which would be a rare find if confirmed.
What evidence was found to suggest that the villa might have had a bathhouse with underfloor heating?
-Box flue tiles, which are associated with Roman central heating systems, were found in the excavation. This suggests the presence of a bathhouse with underfloor heating.
What was the significance of the discovery of the horse's skull in the pond?
-The horse's skull found in the pond could be linked to a ritual or superstition, as it is unusual to find such an item in a water feature. It might have been placed there for symbolic reasons related to the villa's economy or beliefs.
What was the role of the Time Team and how did they contribute to the investigation?
-The Time Team was responsible for the archaeological investigation of the site. They contributed by conducting excavations, analyzing geophysical data, and using various technologies to uncover and interpret the remains of the Roman villa and its surroundings.
Outlines
π° Exploring a Roman Villa in Oxfordshire
The video opens with a scenic introduction to Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire, a location featured in various films and TV shows. The focus shifts to the investigation of a Roman villa discovered in a nearby field by amateur archaeologist Keith Westcott. Using advanced imaging technology, the team aims to uncover the villa's secrets over three days.
π Initial Findings and Survey Techniques
The team begins their exploration just south of Banbury. Initial surveys using geophysical techniques suggest the presence of a large courtyard villa. The fieldwork is divided into multiple areas, each explored for potential structures and artifacts, including Roman roof tiles and a possible bathhouse.
ποΈ Detailed Survey and Site Analysis
A detailed survey reveals Earthworks and crop marks indicating a large villa. The team discusses the site's water supply challenges and hypothesizes about the villa's bathhouse location. They also consider how various building structures and artifacts might align with known Roman villa features.
π Excavation Begins in Trench One
Excavation in Trench One starts with the discovery of Roman roof tiles. The team aims to confirm the villa's size and layout. Early findings include structural materials and potential conduits, with ongoing debate about their functions and connections to other parts of the villa.
𧱠Unearthing Structural Elements
The excavation reveals more Roman building materials, including roof tiles and possible conduits. The team identifies walls and stratigraphy, indicating significant archeological depth. They discuss potential artifacts and the villa's layout, noting areas of interest for further investigation.
πͺ¨ Investigating Additional Trenches
Additional trenches are opened to explore the villa's north range and potential outer enclosure. The team finds Roman occupation evidence, including animal bones and pottery. Metal detectorists discover intriguing items like a horn insert, suggesting various uses and historical layers.
π Mapping and Analysis of Site Features
The team maps the site, identifying anomalies and potential structures. They discuss the villa's different construction phases and hypothesize about its layout and uses. The presence of various artifacts and structural features suggests a complex, multi-use site with significant historical depth.
π¨ Unearthing Walls and Artifacts
Excavations reveal intact villa walls and a variety of artifacts, including Roman roof tiles and possible decorative elements. The team discusses the villa's construction techniques and the challenges of uncovering and interpreting the stratigraphy and structural remains.
π‘ New Insights into the Villa's Layout
Further excavations provide new insights into the villa's layout, including potential rooms and structural features. The team uncovers more artifacts, such as box flue tiles, indicating a heating system. They also discuss the villa's various construction phases and evolving uses over time.
πΎ Discoveries Suggest Agricultural Activity
The discovery of carbonized grain and other plant materials suggests the villa had agricultural functions. The team finds more artifacts indicating domestic and utilitarian activities, such as pottery and animal bones, providing a fuller picture of life in the villa.
π‘ Examining Room Functions
The team continues to explore the villa's rooms, identifying potential functions and construction phases. They find more structural elements and artifacts, including tesserae from mosaics, indicating high-status areas and the villa's complex architectural history.
βοΈ Unearthing a Roman Sarcophagus
The team uncovers a lead-lined sarcophagus, believed to belong to a high-status Romano-British woman. They discuss the significance of the burial and associated artifacts, such as an unguent bottle. The sarcophagus's location suggests it was part of a prominent villa site.
ποΈ Investigating the Villa's Interior
Excavations reveal more about the villa's interior, including painted wall plaster and possible mosaic floors. The team discusses the significance of these findings and what they reveal about the villa's inhabitants and their lifestyle.
π Using Advanced Imaging for Analysis
Advanced imaging techniques, such as photogrammetry and laser scanning, are used to analyze the villa and its surroundings. These technologies help create detailed models of the site, revealing hidden architectural features and enhancing the team's understanding of the villa's layout and history.
πͺ Uncovering Personal Artifacts
The team finds personal artifacts, such as a decorated bronze mirror, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the villa's inhabitants. These findings, along with structural elements, help build a detailed picture of the villa's use and significance.
πΊοΈ Mapping and Interpreting the Villa's Layout
The team maps the villa's layout, identifying key areas and structures. They discuss the villa's construction phases and how it evolved over time. The presence of various artifacts and features suggests a complex site with multiple uses and significant historical value.
πΊ Finding Coins and Dating the Villa
Metal detectorists find coins that help date the villa and its various phases of use. These discoveries provide valuable information about the villa's history and the economic activities that sustained it. The team analyzes the coins to understand the villa's timeline and significance.
π§ Exploring Water Management Systems
The team investigates the villa's water management systems, including ponds and conduits. These features suggest a sophisticated approach to water use, possibly for agricultural purposes. The presence of carbonized grains supports the idea of an agricultural estate.
ποΈ Assessing the Villa's Landscape
The team assesses the villa's landscape, identifying terraced areas and water management features. They discuss the villa's layout and its integration with the surrounding environment, highlighting the site's engineering and architectural sophistication.
π‘ Reconstructing the Villa's History
The team pieces together the villa's history, identifying key construction phases and uses. They discuss the significance of the sarcophagus and other high-status artifacts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the villa's importance and its inhabitants' lifestyles.
π¨ Bringing the Villa to Life
Using advanced technologies and detailed analysis, the team creates a virtual reconstruction of the villa. This model helps visualize the villa's layout and features, bringing the site to life and providing a deeper understanding of its historical significance.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Broughton Castle
π‘Roman Villa
π‘Lead-lined sarcophagus
π‘Geophysics (Geophys)
π‘Hypocaust system
π‘Painted plaster
π‘Tesserae
π‘Magnetometry
π‘Sarcophagus
π‘Unguent bottle
π‘Environmental archaeology
Highlights
Investigation of a Roman villa site in Oxfordshire, potentially the size of Buckingham Palace.
Discovery of a Romano-British lady buried in a lead-lined sarcophagus in 1963.
Use of advanced imaging technology to explore the site's history within a three-day timeframe.
Evidence of a large courtyard villa with earthworks and part marks visible from aerial views.
Excavation uncovers peculiar big ditches possibly related to a bath house water supply.
Investigation of trenches to determine the complexity and luxury of the bath house.
Finding artifacts such as coins and metal objects that can provide dating information.
Unearthing of Roman roof tiles and stone roofing slates indicating building materials and techniques.
Discovery of a large nail likely used in the construction of the villa.
Identification of a potential working agricultural estate or private residence.
Uncovering of a series of stepped ponds suggesting a designed landscape.
Excavation of trenches to uncover the villa's architecture and engineering sophistication.
Finding of a Roman coin and the potential for identifying the villa's construction phases.
Revelation of the villa's luxurious elements like mosaics and frescoes.
Discussion on the villa's water management system and its possible industrial or decorative purpose.
Uncovering of the sarcophagus and the mystery of the high-status lady buried there.
Use of photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction to visualize the villa's past.
Investigation of the villa's agricultural role in the Roman Empire's economy.
Exploration of the villa's transformation over centuries and its eventual decline.
Connection of the villa's history with the nearby Broughton Castle and its Civil War secrets.
Final thoughts on the villa's significance and the potential for future excavations.
Transcripts
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