Ep 3. Thetford, Norfolk

In episode 3 of season 6 of Time Team, the team travels to Thetford in Norfolk to investigate the remains of an ancient Roman town. Thetford is situated in what was once the heartland of the Iceni tribe and is believed to have been an important Roman settlement during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The Time Team arrives on the site to find a number of unusual earthworks that seem to suggest the presence of a substantial Roman building or complex.

To begin their investigation, the team decides to focus their attention on one specific area of the site where they have identified a rectangular earthwork. They use a combination of geophysics and archaeological excavation to try and uncover the secrets hidden within the earth. As they dig, they find evidence of extensive Roman occupation including walls, floors, and even a hypocaust system used for underfloor heating.

As the dig progresses, the team uncovers more and more evidence of the Roman town. They find a well-preserved section of Roman road, evidence of both domestic and industrial activity, and even signs of a possible temple complex. However, as they continue to uncover the remains of this once-great town, they are struck by the sheer scale of destruction that seems to have taken place here.

The team discovers that the site was abandoned following a major fire that swept through the town around AD 200. This catastrophic event not only destroyed large parts of the town but also seems to have erased much of its history. Nevertheless, the Time Team is able to piece together enough evidence to gain a greater understanding of what life was like in this Roman settlement.

One of the more interesting finds on the site is a large granary building that would have been used to store grain for the local population. The team is able to get a sense of the scale and complexity of the local Roman economy by analyzing the design of the granary and the types of goods that would have been stored there.

As the excavation draws to a close, the team has uncovered a significant amount of new information about the Roman town at Thetford. They have found evidence of everyday life, hints of the local economy, and even possible religious activity. Despite the destruction caused by the fire, the team has been able to shed new light on the rich history of this important Roman settlement.