FEATURE LENGTH | TIME TEAM – Broughton Roman Villa (Oxfordshire) - Days 1-3, Series 21 (Dig 2)

Time Team Official

16 Jul 202298:28

EducationalLearning

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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

🏰 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.
🗺 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.
🕵️‍♂️ 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.
🏗 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.
🔍 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.
🛠️ 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.
🏺 A pottery find and the presence of hypocaust tiles suggest the villa had central heating, indicating a high-status residence.
👣 The site's stratigraphy and doorways provide clues to the villa's use and the movement of people within the building.
🌿 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.
🤔 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

00:00

🏰 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.

05:02

🔍 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.

10:05

🏛️ 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.

15:07

🚜 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.

20:08

🧱 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.

25:11

🪨 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.

30:14

📏 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.

35:15

🔨 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.

40:16

💡 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.

45:18

🌾 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.

50:18

🏡 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.

55:19

⚒️ 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.

00:20

🏚️ 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.

05:21

🔭 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.

10:25

🪞 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.

15:26

🗺️ 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.

20:27

🏺 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.

25:29

💧 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.

30:30

🏞️ 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.

35:31

🏡 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.

🎨 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

💡Broughton Castle

Broughton Castle is a historic manor house located in Oxfordshire, England, and has been the seat of the Fiennes family for 700 years. It serves as the backdrop for the archaeological investigation in the video, which looks into a nearby Roman villa. The castle is also noted for its appearances in films and TV productions, such as 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Wolf Hall'.

💡Roman Villa

A Roman villa is a country house built during the Roman Empire, typically used as a luxurious residence by wealthy individuals. In the video, the team is investigating a large Roman villa that is speculated to be as big as Buckingham Palace, indicating its significance and the wealth of its owner. The villa's remains are found under a field of turnips, and its excavation reveals insights into Roman architecture and lifestyle.

💡Lead-lined sarcophagus

A lead-lined sarcophagus is a type of burial coffin lined with lead, used to preserve the body for a longer period. In the video, a Romano-British lady was found buried in such a sarcophagus in 1963, sparking interest in who she was and why she was buried there. This discovery is central to the investigation as it suggests the presence of a significant Roman site.

💡Geophysics (Geophys)

Geophysics refers to the use of physical methods to study the properties of the Earth, often employed in archaeological investigations to detect buried structures. In the video, the Geophysics team conducts surveys using the latest imaging technology to locate the remains of the Roman villa and other features beneath the ground. This technology helps the team plan their excavation sites effectively.

💡Hypocaust system

The hypocaust system is an ancient Roman method of underfloor heating, where hot air from a furnace is channeled through spaces under the floor. The video mentions the discovery of box flue tiles and tesserae that suggest the presence of a hypocaust system, indicating that the villa had heated rooms, which signifies a high standard of living.

💡Painted plaster

Painted plaster refers to wall surfaces that have been decorated with colorful designs or frescoes, typical in Roman architecture. The video describes the discovery of fragments of painted plaster with geometric designs, indicating that the villa had elaborately decorated interiors. This adds to the understanding of the aesthetic and cultural values of its inhabitants.

💡Tesserae

Tesserae are small tiles, usually made of stone, glass, or ceramic, used in the creation of mosaics. In the video, the discovery of tesserae suggests that the villa had mosaic floors, which were a common feature in wealthy Roman homes. The presence of these mosaics indicates the villa's opulence and the artistic tastes of its owners.

💡Magnetometry

Magnetometry is a geophysical method used to detect magnetic anomalies in the soil, often revealing the presence of archaeological features. In the video, magnetometry is used alongside radar to map the layout of the villa. The data helps the team identify the extent and structure of the villa, although some areas appear more clearly than others.

💡Sarcophagus

A sarcophagus is a stone coffin often adorned with inscriptions or reliefs, used in ancient times for burial. In the video, the sarcophagus found near the villa contained the remains of a high-status Romano-British lady. This significant find provides a focal point for understanding the burial practices and social status of the villa's inhabitants.

💡Unguent bottle

An unguent bottle is a small container used in ancient times to hold oils, perfumes, or medicinal ointments. The video mentions that such a bottle was found in the sarcophagus, suggesting the lady's burial included items for preserving or anointing the body. This find highlights the Roman customs related to burial and personal care.

💡Environmental archaeology

Environmental archaeology involves the study of past human interaction with the environment through the analysis of biological and geological evidence. In the video, environmental archaeologists examine soil samples for grains, seeds, and charcoal to understand agricultural practices and dietary habits of the villa's inhabitants. This helps reconstruct the economic activities and lifestyle of the site's past residents.

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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Related Tags

Roman Villa Archaeological Dig Oxfordshire Broughton Castle History Exploration Ancient Engineering Landscape Architecture Mosaic Art Underfloor Heating Virtual Reconstruction