Ep 2. Prehistory

In episode 2 of season 1 of Digging for Britain, titled "Prehistory," the focus is on archaeological digs across the UK that reveal new insights into the prehistoric period.

The episode begins with a look at an excavation site in Cambridgeshire, where archaeologists are exploring a settlement that dates back to the Bronze Age. This site is unique because it is believed to have been occupied by more than one generation, meaning that the remains of different structures and artifacts found there could yield valuable information about changes in the community over time.

Next, viewers are taken to a quarry in Surrey where experts have uncovered a series of pits and ditches dating back to the Iron Age. The site is fascinating because it suggests that the people who lived there were engaged in complex and deliberate land management practices, something that was previously thought to be a newer development. The presence of pottery shards and other artifacts suggests that the community had a thriving trade network as well.

In Norfolk, archaeologists are exploring the ruins of a Roman villa that was found in the 1950s but has remained largely unexplored since then. The site is believed to have been a private residence belonging to a wealthy family, and the excavation has already revealed stunning mosaics and other decorative elements that suggest the owners had a love of art and culture.

The episode also devotes time to the work being done at Silbury Hill, a mysterious and enigmatic earthen mound in Wiltshire. Though the hill has been explored and studied for centuries, its purpose and origin remain a mystery. Recent excavations have revealed that it was not just a simple burial mound, but had a complex construction process and may have been used for public ceremonies or gatherings.

Finally, the episode visits an excavation site in Dorset where an amateur archaeologist has been working to uncover the remains of a Neolithic burial ground. Though he started exploring the site as a hobby, his discoveries have led to formal excavations and the uncovering of a wealth of fascinating information about the culture and beliefs of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning aerial shots of the landscapes being explored, as well as interviews with experts and historians who provide context and commentary on the discoveries being made. From the Bronze Age to the Neolithic era, "Prehistory" provides a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of the UK's ancient past.