Ep 4. Episode 4: Hadrian

In Episode 4 of Season 6 of Digging for Britain, archaeologists focus on one of the most impressive and well-known ancient monuments in Britain - Hadrian's Wall. This iconic structure stretches for over 70 miles across the north of England, separating the Roman Empire from the wilds of Scotland.

The episode begins with a look at the history of the wall and the reasons behind its construction. Host Alice Roberts explains that the wall was built on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century AD as a defensive barrier against the Picts, a confederation of tribes living in what is now Scotland. The wall was manned by soldiers from across the Roman Empire, including North Africa, Syria, and Germany.

The focus then shifts to the archaeologists who are currently working to uncover more about the wall and the people who lived and worked there. One of the main sites being explored is Birdoswald Roman Fort, which was occupied by Roman soldiers for over 300 years. The team at Birdoswald is led by archaeologist Tony Wilmott, who has been working at the site for over 30 years. Wilmott and his team are using cutting-edge technology, including drones and 3D scanning, to gain a better understanding of the layout of the fort and how it was used by the Romans.

At Vindolanda, another key site along the wall, archaeologists are uncovering a wealth of artifacts that shed light on the lives of the people who lived there. These include pottery, jewelry, and even shoes. One of the most exciting finds at Vindolanda is a wooden writing tablet that dates back to the 2nd century AD. The tablet contains one of the earliest known examples of written Latin from Britain, and provides a glimpse into the administrative workings of the Roman army.

The episode also examines the impact that the wall had on the local people and their way of life. Alice Roberts speaks with archaeologist Rob Young, who has been studying the remains of a village that once sat on the northern side of the wall. Young explains that the people who lived here were largely self-sufficient, with their own farms and industries. However, the wall disrupted this way of life, creating a barrier between the villagers and their traditional trade partners in Scotland.

Overall, Episode 4 of Season 6 of Digging for Britain offers a fascinating look at one of the most important archaeological sites in the UK. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned digging, archaeologists are piecing together the story of Hadrian's Wall and the people who lived and worked there. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Roman Empire, ancient history, or archaeology in general.