Ep 3. Episode 3: Vindolanda

Episode 3 of season 6 of Digging for Britain takes us to the ancient Roman fort of Vindolanda, located in Northumberland. The episode focuses on the ongoing excavations at the site and the discoveries made by the archaeologists working there.

The first part of the episode looks at the history of Vindolanda, which was one of the most important Roman forts in Britain during the early years of Roman occupation. The fort was built in AD 85 and housed a garrison of soldiers who were tasked with maintaining the Roman presence in the region. Over the years, Vindolanda grew in size and importance and became a key center for the Roman army in northern Britain.

The episode then moves on to the current excavations at Vindolanda and the discoveries made by the archaeologists there. One of the main focuses of the dig is a series of buildings that were part of the civilian settlement that grew up around the fort. These buildings were likely used as barracks for the soldiers' families and may have also been used for commerce and trade.

As the excavation progresses, the archaeologists uncover a variety of artifacts that shed light on the daily lives of the people who lived at Vindolanda centuries ago. These include pottery, coins, jewelry, and even a writing tablet with a message written in ink. The tablet provides an intriguing glimpse into the daily activities of one of the soldiers stationed at the fort.

Another fascinating aspect of the Vindolanda excavation is the discovery of a large number of shoes. These shoes, which were made from leather and other materials, were likely used by the soldiers stationed at the fort. The shoes are an important find because they provide insight into the footwear of Roman soldiers and the conditions they faced while stationed at Vindolanda.

Throughout the episode, we see the archaeologists and their team working tirelessly to uncover the secrets of Vindolanda. We witness their excitement as they make new discoveries and their frustration when they encounter unexpected challenges. We also hear from experts and historians who shed light on the significance of the discoveries made at the site and the role that Vindolanda played in the Roman occupation of Britain.

In the end, this episode of Digging for Britain serves as a fascinating look at the ongoing excavation at one of Britain's most important Roman sites. It provides insight into the lives of the people who lived and worked there centuries ago and highlights the importance of continuing to uncover and explore the history of this remarkable archaeological site.