Ep 12. The Time Team Guide to Experimental Archaeology

The Time Team Guide to Experimental Archaeology is the twelfth and final episode of season 20 of the archeology television program, Time Team. In this episode, the team explores the practice of experimental archaeology, which involves recreating ancient technologies and techniques in order to better understand the past.

The team is joined by experts in experimental archaeology, including stonemasons, metal workers, and potters, who help them to recreate various artifacts and structures using traditional methods. They also conduct several experiments to understand how ancient peoples may have used these artifacts, such as testing the effectiveness of ancient weapons and tools.

One of the key focuses of the episode is the recreation of a roundhouse, an ancient type of dwelling commonly found in Iron Age Britain. The team uses traditional materials and methods, such as weaving wattle walls and thatching the roof with reeds, to construct the roundhouse. Through this process, they gain a greater understanding of the challenges and techniques involved in building such a structure, as well as the lifestyle and culture of the people who would have lived inside.

The team also recreates several other artifacts using traditional techniques, including a stone axe, a bronze sword, and an Iron Age pot. They test the effectiveness of these artifacts by using them to complete practical tasks, such as chopping wood or preparing food. In doing so, they gain insights into the technological capabilities of ancient people and the limitations of their tools.

In addition to these experiments, the team also explores the role of experimental archaeology in enhancing our understanding of the past. They consider how experimental archaeology can help to challenge assumptions and theories about ancient cultures, and how it can reveal details that may have been overlooked through traditional archaeological methods.

Throughout the episode, the team shares their insights and experiences with the viewer, discussing the challenges and rewards of experimental archaeology. They also provide historical context for the artifacts and structures they create, giving the viewer a greater understanding of the significance and cultural context of these objects.

The Time Team Guide to Experimental Archaeology provides a fascinating insight into the world of experimental archaeology and its role in helping us to understand the past. Through a series of practical experiments and reconstructions, the team provides a window into the ancient world, offering a glimpse of the lifestyles, technologies, and beliefs of our ancestors.