STONEHENGE DISCOVERY: Mesolithic Pits | Time Team's Henry Chapman | Interview

The video script introduces Danny Woodland, a specialist and community archaeologist, and his guest Henry Chapman, an archaeological surveyor who has worked on over a hundred Time Team episodes. Chapman is also a professor at the University of Birmingham and has been involved in a recent research project with the University of Ghent. The project focused on a geophysical survey around Stonehenge, covering 2.5 square kilometers, which revealed hundreds of prehistoric pits, including a significant Mesolithic pit dating back 10,000 years. The conversation aims to explore this discovery and the wider landscape around Stonehenge.

The script delves into a recap of archaeological periods, focusing on the Stone Age which is divided into the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods. The Mesolithic, or middle stone age, is of particular interest as it dates from about 9600 to 4000 BC. This period is characterized by a landscape that was attached to continental Europe, with a region known as Doggerland now underwater. The landscape was wooded and inhabited by nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived in tents and subsisted on hunting and foraging. The script emphasizes the difficulty of imagining this wild landscape and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, which is starkly different from the agricultural practices that would follow in the Neolithic period.

The script discusses the use of geophysics in studying the landscape around Stonehenge, which has been conducted over an increasingly larger area to provide a more comprehensive view. The project combines geophysics with excavation to understand the landscape better. The focus is on understanding pits and their representation in geophysical data, which can be challenging due to their similarity to natural tree throw holes. The goal is to characterize different types of pits and distinguish between natural and man-made features. The size and shape of the pits are highlighted as important factors, with some pits being substantial, over two and a half meters in diameter.

The script explains the use of Electromagnet Induction (EMI) in archaeology, a technique that measures both magnetic properties and electrical conductivity of the soil. This method is advantageous because it provides information about changes in the soil that can indicate human activity, such as burnt areas or refuse. The EMI technique allows for the simultaneous examination of these properties, offering a more nuanced understanding of the archaeological features beneath the surface.

The script describes the process of moving from geophysical data to actual archaeological investigation. While geophysics provides a broad view of the landscape, excavations offer the detail and context needed to understand the features identified. The project involved selecting which pits to excavate from the thousands identified through geophysics. The script highlights the importance of this approach in calibrating the geophysics and gaining a deeper understanding of the archaeological landscape.

The script discusses the discovery of a large pit dating back to the early Mesolithic period, which is significant due to its size and age. The pit measures four meters wide and two meters deep, narrowing to a conical shape at the bottom. Its discovery was confirmed through radiocarbon dating and the presence of lithics at the base of the pit. The script ponders the purpose of the pit, suggesting it could have been used as an animal trap, given its shape and the effort required to dig it into the chalk.

The script explores the transition from the Mesolithic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to the Neolithic period, characterized by the onset of agriculture and settlement. It raises questions about the changes in human interaction with the environment and the potential implications for population sizes, social structures, and political dynamics. The discussion also touches on the geographical changes of the time, such as rising sea levels and the flooding of Doggerland, and their possible impact on human societies.

The script highlights the cultural significance of the Mesolithic period, discussing sites like Star Carr, known for the discovery of antler headdresses, which suggest ceremonial or social practices. The discussion emphasizes the social nature of Mesolithic people and their complex societies, moving beyond the perception of them as mere hunters and gatherers. The script also mentions the preservation of archaeological sites and the importance of re-excavation for understanding the development of archaeological practices.

The script concludes with a discussion about the future of research around Stonehenge, with plans to return to the area in a year or two. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of archaeological finds, such as the large Mesolithic pit, within the broader landscape and history of Stonehenge. The conversation reflects on the transformative impact of geophysics in revealing the busy and layered history of the Stonehenge landscape, challenging previous perceptions and opening up new avenues for exploration.