Digging Up Prehistoric Britain's Most Desirable Neighbourhood | Time Team: Bodmin Moor | Odyssey

The Team descend on the bleak, beautiful landscape of Bodmin Moor to face one their biggest challenges yet. The dig aims to date a possible Bronze Age village of stone houses. But alongside the village is a vast and mysterious 500-metre-long stone structure. The team are joined by Peter Herring of Cornwall Heritage Trust and environmental archaeologist Ben Gearey.
Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.
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[@jk3253]

“I thought all dirt was buried” was an excellent quip.

[@kurtbogle2973]

Every time I watch this show I come away with greater and greater respect for Phil Harding. He explains archeology so very well.

[@kendexter]

Indeed

[@PiaWismar]

Agree 👍

[@JohnLloydScharf]

He is very creative in the details of his narrative. I wonder if you have ever heard of the Nacerima?

[@jturtle5318]

@@JohnLloydScharf yes, 1979 in Anthro 101.

[@veronicaroach3667]

Just needs somebody to chop off that ghastly hair while he's asleep ! As an archaeologist, he's brilliant, just needs tidying up !

[@hansg6336]

A cautionary tale for all of us today. The environment supports life. We should all consider the connection.

[@lindapepper1067]

Though I have no personal connection to Britain, I am fascinated with what the Time Team is doing. Not only are the sites they examine so beautiful, but there is such a spiritual quality to all of it, too. Wonderful videos.

[@RuthMcL1979]

I think a part of it is the amount of different civilisations we have across the whole UK. Druids, vikings, Roman’s celt’s and it goes on. Where I am, Ivar the Boneless (made more famous from the series Vikings) spent a winter near by. Rob Roy was arrested about 30-45mins away by car. William Wallace was born about 14miles from me and Stirling (as in the Battle of Stirling) is about 35 miles away. About 11 miles in the opposite way, a town was invaded by vikings and still celebrates their Viking-nest every year, including building a longboat and setting it on fire. I’m in Greenock, on the west coast, about 25 miles down from Glasgow. We were heavily bombed during the WW2 due to the ship building. So there is sooo much history in a small country.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

If your surname is Pepper, you've got at least some historic connection.

[@internetpolification]

Come and visit

[@lindapepper1067]

@@internetpolification Sadly, not in my budget.

[@lindapepper1067]

@@edwardfletcher7790 Not my maiden name.

[@czgator9000]

Tony's enthusiasm is so contagious, he could make you want to watch paint dry!

[@caroleminke6116]

That’s his job lol

[@MossyMozart]

What a beautiful episode. That gorgeous cairn makes me want to cry.

[@88thCompany]

Gotta bring back this show to 2022, with all the new tech there is, it would be even more fascinating! This show is a treasure ! ❤️

[@philipr1567]

Time Team has been revived - with several familiar faces and a new presenter. No Tony or Phil, and no Mick Aston (sadly deceased).

[@jessielanzetti9420]

@@philipr1567 that’s sad . That was my favorite trio.

[@El_Bellota]

Baldrick's content is top notch.

[@80sguy27]

He has a cunning plan.

[@JensHove]

@@80sguy27 No giant turnips, no happiness.

[@SassyRamen117]

That artists live sketch of the stones was gorgeous!

[@goymedhundDogtrainingBehavior]

i LOVE Bodmin Moor...i took parts of my education in UK - and lived so close to the moor i could just tack up one f the horses and ride out on the moor... Incredible place... I hope i can go back one day

[@devonseamoor]

It's so intriguing, and amusing at the same time, that the time team members manage to present their suggestions at the start of digging, with each episode, while they are largely repetitions of former diggings at the start. What this looks like, is that the revival of the members' enthusiasm in their propositions, looks as if it's the first time that it's being said and that it's this that keeps each episode fresh. Of course, the actual digging and discovery are very much in the moment, fresh in their uniqueness, for who knows what will show up? It doesn't look like this enthusiasm is fake at all. This team manages to keep itself in good condition, inspired by dedication that is genuine, with comradery in tow.

[@granthurlburt4062]

It is the interaction among these original and witty people (including Tony) that makes Time Team so much better than any later archaeology programs. Dr. Alice Roberts has a graet voice and appearance and is very knowledgeable, but the archaeological teams she has give their dig diaries have obviously been slogging away for months and are are kind of worn out. The three day digs here have people full of enthusiasm. I also love the artist's impressions and the occasional experimental archaeology reproducing activity in the past as well as they can.

[@georgielancaster1356]

The original artist died between Time Team ending and starting again. I think his name was Victor.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Victor Ambrose (pardon any misspelling). His hand pushed a very human quality in his illustration of the time team digs. He published several books of drawings based on their revelations.

[@mikepeterson9733]

Oh, I miss Time Team. Wish Mick was still around, and he, Phil, Tony, John, and the gang were still making these tele jewels. I've got some tears of joy welling up just seeing the opening credits.

[@alexiswelsh5821]

Have you seen the new Time Team?

[@mikepeterson9733]

@@alexiswelsh5821 The series from ~2012? That format change completely destroyed what Time Team was about, in my opinion. Are they doing a new one again?

[@alexiswelsh5821]

@@mikepeterson9733 They're doing a new one, completely on KZbin and Patreon.

[@mikepeterson9733]

@@alexiswelsh5821 OMG, how have I missed this?? I'm so there! Thx, Alexis!!

[@alexiswelsh5821]

@@mikepeterson9733 Your Welcome

[@BryonLape]

This is at least the third channel I've seen post Time Team. I've seen all of them more than once. Yet I still watch.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I always love to watch Phil as he always reminds that life's glass is not half empty but half full :-)

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Just don't ask him for coffee🤣

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

@@CyberBeep_kenshi I just won't ask when I grab his 🙄

[@Panicagq2]

@@CyberBeep_kenshi A nice mug of ale, though... 🍺🛖

[@rehoboth_farm]

I thought that he was asking who was buying the next round.

[@PiaWismar]

Time Team is my all time favorite archeological TV programs. Absolutely love it. So excited I've found you here 🥰

[@sirJaymanz]

of course its the best.

[@maxxray3665]

All of this man’s content gives me the vibe that this would be the video your teacher would play when they rolled in the TV on a half day of school. Great content.

[@tomroberts7221]

My ancestors came from Britain. I love their weather. It suits me. I live in California USA. We seldom see rain, just blazing sun.

[@MossyMozart]

@Tom Roberts - I, too, love the rain and mist.

[@what8562]

And then Winter of 2022-2023 came.

[@jenniferdurso1461]

You would love the current weather here in Missouri, except maybe the tornadoes 🌪️👀

[@scottgoldsbery3154]

Love seeing the guys talking in the pouring rain on top of the hill 😂👍

[@daniel3231995]

passion

[@MsMesem]

Waiting for the thermos of tea to come out.

[@TealCheetah]

The only wash Phil's hat has ever had

[@marypatten9655]

Lol. Am sure he keeps it clean.

[@BETTEROFFDEADnz]

Still hasn’t cut his finger nails tho

[@Fragrant_Digits]

@@BETTEROFFDEADnz Good for picking away debris

[@relichunter7308]

@@BETTEROFFDEADnz He uses them to serenade his better half on his Spanish guitar! Lol.

[@xxmattopsxx3931]

@@BETTEROFFDEADnz you need them for good hand digging. Is the response I'd probably expect.

[@ShieldenMomma793]

LMAFO! Philll's face timed at 3:22mins looking at the site underneath a tent was great!! Just like god damn rain!!

[@billmason5526]

Phil Harding 👍..... known here in America..... San Francisco... CA ✌️🇬🇧

[@deborahpetith8710]

Love watching you working at a profession you love, you all make a really great show, thank you. Blessed be.♥️♥️♥️

[@friedegglet]

A weeny bit exciting. I've done the whole let's get my DNA testing done and see where my ancestors come from, and a large part is from around this area. So cool to watch this thinking about how my ancestors may have been there farming and doing life 😊

[@carolinehaythornthwaite2965]

The local historian, Ian, has such a lovely sonorous voice, I can imagine him doing Audio books such as Lord of the Rings.

[@pingpong5000]

Another good one, I used to watch these all the time when they were new to TV, making people like me like archaeology, who'd a thought. One thing not mentioned that I find interesting is the lay/construction seem lacking any defensive properties, walls for house and animal control only, no fortifications, where our ancestors were lucky enough to have civilised and peaceful lives I wonder?

[@markuk7935]

The whole team are just great, the programs are superb, the history is priceless! 👏👏

[@grandmasmagic3858]

I'm Aussie and on my 2009 trip to the UK Bodmin Moor was one of those 'must visit' destinations..I visited because I wanted to see the triple stone circle that's there..I suspect the stone circles are also linked to these other finds...would be interesting...

[@nevillemignot1681]

I just love watching Francis and Phil, with all their enthusiasm and knowledge, with Tony playing the devil's advocate they bring what could be a really boring subject to life for me!!.............................And i guess for a host of people.

[@EventHorizon3.14]

One of my favorite episodes of the original series .. dang getting old sucks

[@Hallands.]

I find this incredibly exiting! What a team! ❤️👍🏼

[@jward9637]

I love this prehistory!! Thanks for this!

[@nmaresch579]

"And which stones are just stones" ... I feel you Tony

[@veronicaroach3667]

And that tends to be my feelings on watching these guys turn every little thing into 'evidence' - ok I know nothing about such things as flint tools etc, but is every triangular piece of flint a tool or just a piece of flint ??? I do think they might tend to see what they want to see !

[@70stunes71]

I was stationed with the British royal Air Force in Cornwall. Really miss England a lot. Hopefully I can return there before I get too old

[@garyeckstein4917]

This is the first I've heard Tony Robinson's voice in sometime. I miss his voice, we don't get much UK TV here. The Baldrick character was brilliant, not many people could have done that so well. Good to see/hear Mr. Robinson and this content is very interesting as well.

[@alexiswelsh5821]

That's Sir Robinson now

[@rehoboth_farm]

Who wasn't pensively waiting to hear him say, "I have a cunning plan!"

[@MassiveChetBakerFan]

Let's hope this area rewilds and grows back the woodlands that used to be there.

[@Babette1986]

I love this series. This dude always makes me relax

[@pepperco100]

Three cheers for Sir Tony!

[@julanesutton9626]

Dear Tony, I recall you remarking about being good at presenting.. or similarly worded. I've binge watched the original TimeTeam Channel, and now after a break have rewatched the above video in Odyssey. U Your presention skills bring alive the topic, with passion and emphasis that's second to none. It complements the highly knowledgeable and talented archeological crew, culminating in a stand alone blend I doubt could ever be replicated. Huge thanks for the hours of enjoyment you and TimeTeam created and shared with us.

[@maxmoore9955]

I agree with persons statement, Whole heartedly,

[@Teresa-ih4sn]

Beautifully said!! And, I agree.

[@treering8228]

This is by far my favorite Time Team

[@erikasantoshafitness348]

That dung beetle exchange about the dung beetle nightmare was simply hilarious 😆

[@wrexshunt]

Best thing on telly - bring back the Bronze Age

[@jeanmorgan1533]

Be careful what you wish for…

[@65stang98]

@@jeanmorgan1533 no social media, no modern technology, just conquest, death and glory lmaooooo

[@graceamerican3558]

@@65stang98 You don’t have to go back that far for that time either. Maybe 50 years. Maybe further but not much.

[@65stang98]

@@graceamerican3558 there was indeed modern tech 50 years ago. im talking spear walls and cavalry charges lol.

[@graceamerican3558]

@@65stang98 😂

[@jenniferritter3879]

Absolutely incredible work!! Fantastic job everyone!! :)

[@MeltedPearls]

Come for the history, stay for the enthusiasm.

[@welshtexas1]

Fascinating stuff, thoroughly enjoyable.

[@akesha4138]

Very well told story, thank you.

[@user-pt9cv4yi9t]

Why only 3 days please? I just love this !!

[@ashleysmith3106]

Just a small aside - I imagined Bodmin moor to be a huge expanse; in fact it's the area of a small farm in the part of Australia where I live !

[@keithlightminder3005]

Coming from Canadian prairies I actually giggled when I saw how tiny it is. The careful permaculture practices of the indigenous people here created an amazing fecund land which Europeans did not recognize as an intentionally managed landscape here, neat to see the roots of total environment change on bodkin moor, imagine it as a dense oak forest.

[@royfearn4345]

Believe me, if you ever get lost at night on Bodmin Moor (or any of the other small moors) in GB it seems pretty damn big!

[@huahindan]

Excellent! Thank you

[@thomasandersen2534]

Great episode !

[@matthewgauthier7251]

Love this. I wonder what the weather was in that region 5000 years ago? Amazing how people slowly changed the environment of great Britain ,drastically ,over the millennia.

[@Tipi_Dan]

It was warmer.

[@trishplanck9776]

Yeah, it’s kinda sad that they didn’t think to replant at least some of the trees. But I doubt they even gave it a thought.

[@devonseamoor]

@Matthew Gauthier. Drastically? Doesn't that mean sudden en significant? Somewhat like a shock? 5000 years seems a long time, and this amount of time suggests a gradual change. Only when one can time travel and jump from 3000 BC to 2022 AD it'll be a shock, I suppose. The weather/climate is always changing. When you think of Dartmoor's position now, compared to when it was on the equator, in a tropical climate. When volcanic activity changed the place, and pushed the lava upwards, creating the Tors. That's a huge change of position. The Earth has moved on its axis during pole shifts, scientists have figured it out by measuring the electromagnetic aligning in the matter. The reversal of N. and S. poles shows itself in the ice drillings of Antarctica. Those long bars of ice, see?

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks so much for posting.

[@MichaelLloyd]

This was very well done.

[@malidadoedaughterofearth4174]

I just love how they're sodding wet and standing up to their knees in water. We have not had any rain to speak of for months and months.

[@timdyer5903]

Channel 4 in the 1990s and 2000s was special. Time team especially.

[@cynthiarowley719]

Well done!

[@muslimahsista]

Thanks for sharing

[@Janettemay64]

A very good description of a big hole by Tony, love this show. Watched most of these a long time ago, now binge watching.

[@annfahy9089]

Brilliant video again.👏

[@sheilawhite8314]

been to Bodmin Moor many years ago loved it and very open

[@willie417]

when I watch these type of show and think about my years here (60) and how fast it came, It reminds me that our years on this planet isn't long, So make good use of your time on the planet, because it is very short

[@chg1264]

Amen!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

A good look at tools and techniques and their application to understanding the past.

[@olivieoo]

Passionnant, thank you

[@edwardseymour4930]

This was a fascinating episode!…

[@ogedeh]

I enjoy this program

[@peterleadley]

In the same way that the ancient Bronze Age people communed with their ancestors, so, through the efforts of Time Team, do we.

[@tomgrantham9992]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@unacceptableviews1505]

If I had to guess before watching, I would say they cut down all the trees and it changed the landscape as those things tend to do. Probably led to soil erosion and higher winds so they eventually had to move.

[@douglasruss2889]

Always enjoy !

[@rick7043]

We live in a time where KZbin can show me houses built 6000 years ago and computer chips made yesterday. So much access to knowledge. Don't take it for granted.

[@patwithers1448]

Love from the old lady in Texas may God bless you always and forever

[@rhuephus]

whatever

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

I loved this from History or Sociology classes when they spoke of different times using the words of ages. Mud, Grass, Stone, on and on it goes. For today if everything was frozen under a few million tones of mud, imagine an archeologist trying to make sense of which age these current people, us would be? For collectors whatever they owned wasn't only from the time they had passed. ah and we still have people in the world who hasn't even gotten to the stone age yet.

[@MsMesem]

Yes, the gottens; a very backward group.

[@pattimartin7250]

I love this!

[@julesforsyth2996]

I found this fascinating as it shows evidence of other things not just Stone Henge which I believe is also about 5000 years old. What I don't understand is that as its such an important part of British History, why are these guys only given 3 days to search. It needs years with also the possibility to partly preserve what has been found and/or possibly returning one or two of these houses back to its original state (as far as possible anyway). Egypt has the Pyramids which are still being excavated for years and no doubt for many more years to come, why cant we do this with our history ? Clearly there are people very keen to do it and I am sure there are plenty of people willing to help fund it.

[@karenbartlett1307]

I think there are other archeologists already working on some of these sites that Time Team comes in to work on. Sometimes they ask Time Team to come in to help them. Perhaps Time Team has more funding or more equipment, and a broader range of expertise, with geophysicists, pottery experts, neolithic experts, bone experts, etc. And the program is about a three-day dig in various places, not about years spent on one dig. There are, however, full-length documentaries about protracted digs in a single location.

[@christianbuczko1481]

@@karenbartlett1307 they became the largest, best funded archeology team in the country, having technology and resources most local archeologists can only dream about.

[@karenbartlett1307]

@@christianbuczko1481 Wonder what their funding sources are.

[@christianbuczko1481]

@@karenbartlett1307 channel 4 tv station in the uk paid for the original series which ran for 21 seasons, each episode had £100k to spend on each site which funded the tv production as well as the archeologists. They are STILL going, with new episodes now being made for youtube and available on the official timeteam youtube channel funded by patreon supporters and youtube funding which has allowed them to make 2 eps last year, 2 this year with more planned. They need supporters..

[@karenbartlett1307]

@@christianbuczko1481 Thank you!

[@whattowatchrightnow]

love this stuff

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@crapphone7744]

When they found the broken piece of flint in the fireplace, I swear I heard a distant guttural ah crap! In a bronze age language. Prehistoric barbed wire! Blimey!😂

[@mougoalpara9180]

Beautiful ❤️

[@HBMR334]

i really love time team an history but it is sad that nobody ever plant the trees back

[@LisaBeergutHolst]

@@M0dernArcher They're literally standing in front of a bunch of trees at 28:45 lol

[@LisaBeergutHolst]

@@M0dernArcher Trees grow quite well there. "The public forest here is a predominantly conifer having been planted after the First World War to address the national timber shortage. The area is known for its production of high quality Sitka spruce which makes up the vast majority of the trees here." -Forestry England, "Bodmin Forest Plan"

[@LisaBeergutHolst]

@@M0dernArcher Because the hilltops have archaeological sites on them lol

[@movinon1242]

When early men went to the trouble to clear land to feed themselves, be it for pasture or garden, they didn't want trees growing back. While we know from hindsight that not leaving some trees to stem soil erosion will, long term, negatively effect the area's fertility, to early man clearing woodland meant more food for his people, end of story. It was a no-brainer given the data and context of the time.

[@HBMR334]

@@movinon1242 somebody needs to plant trees there and give it time, nature would come back.

[@TheSnowballEarth]

c. 6:30 Looks pretty miserable with the rain pissing down on the moor like that. Great for promoting tourism though. Welcome to Cornwall.

[@joannabell9294]

Thank you

[@tdsportscards]

Awesome...I'd like to be part of a few digs there sometime in the near future

[@coreyjudd4676]

I love this show so much. Tony - "What exactly are we going to do here Francis?" Francis -"We're going to do an EXcavation , DIG a hole and find EVIDENCE!"

[@wendywhite2642]

My Phil. Forever young ❤️

[@TheSeptemberRose]

I like the feathers in Phil's hat.

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

Oh look! It's Time Team! It's raining! Seriously, though, Time Team was simply wonderful and I miss it so much.

[@darlenegedge7861]

The rain might give us a demonstration of how rain affected the ancient people

[@susansisson366]

What I want to hear in your conversation is a discussion of restoration. The planet needs all its former forests, copses and woods to be restored to their condition at least as they might have been five thousand years ago in the middle bronze age. Why is that not yet being considered? Same for the Scottish moors! The ignorant farmers who lived on the land did not have the benefit of the knowledge acquired during the last several millenia. They had to deal with their reality at the time, and their backs were to the wall of survival at all times, so it does not decrease my respect. But we need to start replanting trees everywhere we can, beginning a restoration of the sacred trees that once also called Bodmin Moor home.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Most of the soil has blown away. It would take an enormous amoung of adding soil first and also a lot of early and middle succcession plants to hold the soil. It's nice you would like this to happen but (a) it is not simple and (b) others are aware of this.

[@granthurlburt4062]

IF there was a program on reforestation, would you tell them what you wanted to hear was about the archaeology? Do you have google on your computer? You could look this up.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Towards the end of the program, they state clearly that human forest clearing turned the remaining soil acidic and unsuitable for trees

[@DavidP793]

Lol, you have to be an evil Democrat.

[@poopshitcrapwaste]

actually, there are trees on bodmin moor. but i doubt that it woould be resembling luxulyan valley ever.

[@bluerose7955]

Great presentation. History is different of what's brainwashed into ignorant people's minds. Truth always prevail. Documenting history is a great work. Respect to discoverers.

[@kimfleury]

You do know they were conjecturing throughout, don't you?

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thanks.

[@toscalibralato5497]

Ive watched time team for ages and love 💗it to bits I love the way the gang just get going because its always well mostly rainning but they just grin and keep going my admiration and respect to all the time team people THANK YOU love from South Australia 🙏👋👋🐨🦘🦘

[@andyrbush]

Fascinating history, but I cannot think of a more uncomfortable place on the planet than the bleakness of Bodmin moor.

[@MsMesem]

Really? At least there is moss, turf and heather to make shelters with and a few springs along with rabbits and hares.

[@andyrbush]

@@MsMesem Dude what do you think I am; some sort of masochist? I live now in Thailand where it is never cold, I don't need any clothes. Food is growing everywhere; I can get a chicken by throwing a bit of wood at it. Dogs come and befriend me; they protect me, and they can catch food that can we share. People are friendly, the girls are beautiful. The girls don't need to wrap up against the horrible cold of England. We have swallows flying all year round. Which would you prefer nice and warm or bleak and horrible wet and cold hiding under a moss shelter?

[@commonsense571]

@@MsMesem yes. Thee is beauty to it if one has the eyes for it and I do. ✨

[@shadowknowsjo]

The hollering sheep in the background ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tylerfreeman5041]

21:01 I can see why people lived there. Love.

[@ronaldl9085]

fascinating!

[@RickPop85]

love prehistoric sites

[@teddyshepherd2854]

Sent shivers down my spine. Spectacular dig. Many thanks.

[@ebybeehoney]

I love Francis's enthusiasm but he sure does love to speculate.

[@TheDesertwalker]

Yes, it seems that there is a lot of "ritual" going on....but can we prove that?

[@AshokKumar-zj4zs]

Our ancestors get us recalled to visit their oldest home.The whole team is fortunate.

[@davidnewland2461]

Man it looks like the weather is miserable, but it gets better

[@ailleananaithnid2566]

Poor Phil, looking forlorn as the rain comes down In buckets! My little dog gets the same expression when it rains. i could see the two of them side by side in the tent watching the rain come down.😮 lol. These people are consummate professionals! 😍

[@jeanpeuplu5570]

Water, water everywhere... and not a drop to drink.