Archaeologists from the University of Leicester have teamed up with the popular show Time Team for a special episode featuring the excavation of a Roman villa in Leicestershire.
The episode will air on Time Team’s YouTube channel on Saturday, April 5th at 7pm.
Picture credit: University of Leicester
Filmed during a 2-week dig in May 2024, this fieldschool provided first-year students from the University’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History with their first real excavation experience, while also becoming media stars. The site revealed late Iron Age occupation and a substantial Roman villa, offering new insights into rural Roman Britain.
The episode, using behind-the-scenes footage from Dr. Philippa Walton, adopts a ‘Dig Diary’ format. It follows the excavation process, from geophysical surveys to analysing ancient finds. It also highlights the skills students develop throughout their archaeological training.
The project, supervised by professional archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) and Time Team, includes a post-excavation workshop where students identified and recorded pottery and other finds.
Picture credit: University of Leicester
Dr. John Gater from Time Team said, “It was great working with the University of Leicester again, and seeing the students develop both archaeological and media skills.” Dr. Philippa Walton added, “This episode showcases the hands-on training our students receive, and it was a privilege to share their discoveries with a global audience.”
Isabel Higham, an archaeology student, said, “It was amazing to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to real-world archaeology, and to showcase Roman Leicestershire with Time Team.”
John Thomas, Deputy Director of ULAS, concluded, “Our fieldschools provide invaluable hands-on experience, working with professionals to train the archaeologists of the future and improve employability.”
