Ep 1. The Romans

Digging for Britain is an archeological show that presents the latest discoveries made by British archaeologists. The first season's first episode named "The Romans" focuses on the Roman Empire's presence and impact in ancient Britain.

The presenters of the show, Alice Roberts, John Sergeant, and George McGavin, take the viewers on a journey of discovery and give them a behind-the-scenes look at the process of archaeological research. They visit various excavation sites and interview the archaeologists involved in the projects, providing insights into a thrilling field that has captured the imagination of people for centuries.

The first segment of the episode is set at Caistor St Edmund, a Roman town in Norfolk. Alice Roberts begins the show by providing an overview of the Roman Empire's history in Britain and its lasting impact on the country's architecture, language, and culture. She then goes on to discuss the excavation site at Caistor, where the archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a Roman basilica, which was the central building in every Roman town.

The basilica was used for administrative, legal, and commercial purposes, and Alice explains that the basilicas were a vital part of every Roman town, serving as the hub of activity. She then moves on to a different excavation, where the team is looking for evidence of a monumental gateway that marked the entrance to the town.

The next stop is the site of a Roman Villa in Chedworth, Gloucestershire, where John Sergeant is joined by a team of archaeologists as they work to uncover a mosaic floor. He observes excitedly as the excavators find what he believes to be Roman pillows or cushions. The mosaic is in excellent condition, and the team believes that it was used to showcase the wealth and power of the villa's owner.

After exploring the villa, John moves onto the Roman Amphitheatre at Chester. The site is especially fascinating because it is one of the largest surviving amphitheatres in Britain, and its sheer size provides a glimpse into the grandeur and magnificence of the Roman Empire. George McGavin also visits Chester, where he meets with experts who are examining the remains of a Roman warship.

The final excavation site visited is the Bathhouse at Wroxeter, Shropshire, where Alice Roberts completes her exploration of Roman Britain. The Bathhouse was central to Roman social life, and it is awe-inspiring to see how well-preserved it is. Through Alice's narration, viewers gain insight into the Roman bathing ritual and how it played a vital role in Roman cultural life.

Overall, the episode provides an excellent overview of Roman Britain, including the impact that the Romans had on British society and architecture. The combination of expert presenters, stunning visuals, and interviews with archaeologists makes for an engaging program for history buffs, and it is sure to spark a fascination and appreciation for the rich history of ancient Britain.