Guy de la Bédoyère looks back with Time Team

The speaker reminisces about the camaraderie and relief from the rigors of archaeology experienced during Time Team's tea times. He fondly remembers conversations with Helen, Carenza, Mick, and others, highlighting the variety of topics discussed beyond archaeology. Mick's compliment about the speaker's unique approach to conversation is mentioned. The speaker also expresses his dislike for solitary television work compared to the enjoyable social aspect of Time Team.

The speaker, Guy de la Bedoyere, discusses his participation in Time Team from 1997 to 2013, emphasizing the variety of roles he played, including Roman historian and aviation archaeologist. He reflects on the opportunity to engage in different areas of archaeology and the collaborative environment that made the experience enriching. His skills in finding out about various historical subjects and his quick thinking are highlighted as valuable assets during his Time Team tenure.

The conversation shifts to memorable finds and experiences on Time Team, with a particular focus on the Spitfire excavation. The speaker describes the Spitfire as a standout due to the comprehensive nature of the find, which included the artifact itself, documentation, and eyewitness accounts. He also mentions the rare find of a stone with Roman lettering at Greenwich and the personal significance of these discoveries.

The speaker expresses his intrigue with Roman artifacts, especially a coin with a cryptic legend and the Viridius inscription found at Ancaster. He discusses the direct connection to the Roman period these artifacts provide and shares his personal quest to understand the history of his own home, where he found a coin from Elizabeth I. The conversation also touches on the peculiarities of the Greenwich site and the unusual Roman coins found there.

The speaker delves into the predictability of Roman sites and artifacts, noting the patterns in coin and pottery loss. He discusses the cultural differences between Romans and modern people, using the example of 'naughty Samian' pottery found at Birdoswald and the Romans' more open attitude towards sexuality. The conversation also covers the speaker's experiences with Roman sites and the insights they provide into Roman life and culture.

The speaker discusses the significance of Roman Britain as the best recorded and explored province in the Roman Empire. He talks about the importance of inscriptions and the rarity of finding such detailed historical records. The Vindolanda letters are highlighted as an exceptional find that provides a unique glimpse into the daily life and language of ordinary Romans.

The speaker shares his interest in World War II aircraft, stemming from growing up after the war and being surrounded by its influence. He recounts his experiences learning to fly, flying in a Flying Fortress, and meeting people who experienced the war firsthand. The conversation also includes his involvement in an excavation of a Flying Fortress crash site and the impact of meeting an American engineer who helped identify parts of the aircraft.

The speaker discusses his book 'Gladius,' which explores the everyday lives of Roman soldiers rather than focusing on technical aspects of the Roman army. He shares the story behind the book's title and cover design, emphasizing the importance of the sword in defining the Roman legionnaires. The conversation also touches on the speaker's experiences teaching Roman history and the impact of using historical artifacts in the classroom.

The speaker reveals his current focus on Egyptology, a shift from his extensive work on Roman history. He discusses the learning process involved in studying Egyptian hieroglyphs and the cultural differences in expression between the Egyptians and Romans. The conversation also highlights the interconnectedness of history and the speaker's belief in the importance of making historical artifacts accessible beyond museums.

The speaker concludes the conversation by sharing a fascinating fact about the descendants of Edward III and the likelihood that many people in the country are related to him. This serves as a reminder of the shared historical heritage and the connection between the past and the present.