Ep 2. Episode 2: Caesar

Episode 2 of Digging for Britain's sixth season titled "Caesar" takes viewers on a journey through time to explore the legacy of Julius Caesar in Britain. The episode delves into Caesar's two expeditions to Britain in 55 and 54 BC, which provided the Roman Empire with a foothold in the British Isles.

The episode begins with Alice Roberts, the host of the show, discussing Caesar's invasion of Britain and how it marked the beginning of Roman Britain. She explains that even though Caesar's expeditions were unsuccessful in terms of long-lasting territorial control, they were critical in terms of establishing Rome's presence and influence in the island.

The first artifact shown in the episode is a rare coin issued by Caesar himself, which was discovered during the excavation of an Iron Age hillfort in Kent. The coin is one of only three of its kind found in England and provides evidence of Caesar's presence in Britain.

Next, the episode visits the Roman town of Colchester in Essex, which was the site of the first invasion in 55 BC. Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts from this period, including pottery, coins, and even a well-preserved Roman temple. The team examines the temple and discusses its significance in terms of Roman religion and the fusion of Roman and Celtic cultures.

The episode also examines Caesar's second invasion in 54 BC, which was met with fierce resistance from the local tribes. The team visits the site of a Roman military camp near Folkstone, where they uncover evidence of this conflict, including weapons, armor, and even human remains.

Throughout the episode, Roberts emphasizes the importance of collaboration between archaeologists and historians in understanding the impact of Caesar's expeditions on Britain. She interviews several experts in the field, including Professor Peter Heather, who offers his insights on Caesar's motivations and the wider context of the Roman Empire's expansion.

In addition to exploring the legacy of Caesar, the episode also looks at the broader impact of Roman Britain on the island's history and culture. The team visits the city of Bath, which was a major Roman settlement and spa town, and discusses the legacy of Roman architecture and engineering in Britain.

Overall, "Caesar" provides a fascinating look at one of the most significant events in British history and highlights the ongoing work of archaeologists and historians in uncovering the secrets of the past. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in the people and cultures of the past, this episode is not to be missed.