Is This Ancient Roman Sarcophagus Time Team's Most Important Find? | Time Team | Odyssey

Time Team are in Lincolnshire investigating the Roman town of Ancaster, a settlement that has been oft neglected by archaeologists. However, what starts as a normal dig soon turns into one of the most significant in Time Team's history.
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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[@leecarlson9713]

Okay, because there is so many comments about the three day limit, here is some information. Mick Aston had a dream. He wanted to make archaeology more interesting and accessible to the average Briton. Eventually, after talking about his idea with a lot of people, it was proposed that a tv program with a three day time limit on each dig would accomplish this task. The time limit would: 1) allow nationally famous archaeologists to attend, but still do their day jobs (most were at universities) the rest of the week; 2) create a little suspense-could the goal be accomplished in just three days?; and 3) be a reasonable length of time for the non-archaeological viewers to get an idea of how a dig is done, what goes on in terms of preservation of the finds and who does that, and the importance of finding out what has gone on, before the present time. In my personal, non-archaeological view, Time Team accomplished all these goals magnificently. And they did it for 20 years!

[@dalekundtz760]

Í totally agree with you Lee. If the pros do the work, they can get much accomplished in three days. Phil has proven this many times. Keep up the good work and ignore Tony... LOL

[@normagrimstad8869]

I for one would love to participate. I did volunteer for a dig in South Shields several years ago.

[@Brinta3]

4) Filming longer than three days would have made the show too expensive.

[@DonaldGerman-qe9ms]

Life is what you make of it ! Death means your gone to the earth !

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

I think they did a wonderful job. I love time team. I would love to do the same here in America with the native American sites.

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

Phil's reverence for that ancient grave cut just makes me love the guy even more. He's a gentleman and a scholar. And nobody has passion for the soil like that man. He's a legend in my house. What a guy!

[@_Dogbeard_]

"It is beau'iful sand, innit, ey?" - Phil, 00:09:28 the man's a wholesome mineral mastermind

[@lianedegville3093]

And then he dismantled it

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

@@lianedegville3093 yup. That's archaeology.

[@NancyKruse-ny1rd]

Mick & Tony were always my favorites. Where have the old cast all gone?

[@leecarlson9713]

And Phil was entirely self taught! And a nationally renowned flint expert. Truly a renaissance man.

[@calmthemonster]

Such a beautiful, caring and sensitive way Professor Cox asked Phil about lifting the lid off the sarcophagus.

[@epiphilosophy]

29:36

[@karenglenn6707]

As an Australian, a country with a very short European history but not aboriginal history, seeing so much still remaining after thousands of years just blows my mind every time. This is one of my favourite shows of all time and I’ve watched the episodes over and over, still enjoying them. But boy, I miss Mick Aston and it’s 10 yrs next month since he died.

[@hueleb1cho]

just found out he died from this post :(

[@benjaminwinrow9620]

Right there with you. Originally from Holland/UK, lived in NZ for 11 years. I miss the history of the UK very much and I think anyone who loves this show missed mick and his wonderful jumpers, hats and genuine passion for knowledge and interesting people. RIP.

[@jrmckim]

As an American, I understand what you mean.

[@jublaim]

Scandinavian; still what is found in the soils of our common grounds is amazing. Time Team has forever changed archeology, really.

[@catvonderahe1836]

⁠

[@edwardmaunsell2416]

I love Phil. The care and compassion he shows, his no nonsense questions and answers. He gets on with the job. However... every time I see him, I'm reminded of a turnip farmer.

[@robroy6804]

he comes from the best scider country on the planet

[@robroy6804]

i think its spelt cider

[@bigthd2044]

Phil is so gentle and respectful. Tony does all the talking.

[@nevillemignot1681]

Once again Mick shows at the start of day 3 how very careful he is about anything he does on a dig, i for think he shows he the is the main asset in the show, and is the by far the best site boss with the most knowledge.

[@gamingwithlacks]

This is my kind of reality tv.

[@emelle9705]

Phil is an absolute LEGEND! Mick is STILL a paragon! Rest east Mick! You inspired a whole generation of archeologists.

[@janinebean4276]

what an extraordinary find! and to think they could have missed it! Glad Phil followed his instinct and kept going. Corenza's area was incredible as well! such a rich site of archaeology!

[@jvballatore]

A little known TIme Team fact: A Geo-Fizz is a gin based cocktail the team often enjoys at days end.

[@vsgtrek]

Recipe please…

[@cuddlycrow198]

Phil is very special. Good man.

[@tmc0964]

Phil, you are a softie at heart and so respectful. Your work ethic is impeccable. 😊😊😍

[@jcortese3300]

The first I heard the word "viridius" I thought it might mean "green god." Now if they think it's some pre-Roman Celtic deity, maybe it does mean "green god" and not "powerful god."

[@sandra4999san]

Virile, viridian…? Viridian is green, blooming , vigorous, as in plants. Virile is from the latin virilis; strong, manly, vigorous. Overlap.

[@kimberlypatton205]

I love archaeology so much, growing up and visiting many ancient sites and museums on Crete in the 60’s. It grew a love of the past that still enriches my life in my 60’s! These are fantastic docs! And to top it all off, having “Baldric” ( my beloved Tony!) as the presenter is priceless!

[@edwardmaunsell2416]

"Baldric" yes.😂😂😂😂

[@ShortStuffMegs21]

Sir Baldric. 😂😂

[@SugarandSarcasm]

Sir Baldric, Dogsbody

[@wabisabi6875]

Time Team never fails to amaze and educate. Great episode!

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

I can feel the dedication of the guys. Such an underrated show.

[@1959Berre]

Phil is such a nice bloke.

[@lwebster7100]

What incredible work and findings! It’s unfortunate they only get 3 days but hopefully the county or someone will continue what they’ve started

[@kimcason8764]

There was a Time in my life, when working Afternoon shift ( Permanently) that I would have to Rely on my Video Recorder Recording this Show. ( VHS.) The Glee 😂, if it was Successful but Utter Gloom 😢 if it Failed to Record, Was undescribable..!! This is Bliss to be able to watch, whatever, whenever I want..!!🤗 Thanks Guys, for all those/these Episodes, I missed out on..!! Cheers All. Kim in Oz. 😎

[@sophielang5027]

This is my favourite episode!!! Been waiting a long time to see it again!! Thanks 🙏

[@dennispepperack2973]

Phil really racked up the Karma Kool Points in this episode!

[@annazaman9657]

This episode always gives me the goosebumps. Amazing

[@josephkarl2061]

My favourite Time Team episode. Love the discovery of that inscription 😃

[@virgo714]

Thank you for bringing Roman archeology to my home 🥹🥹

[@rachelbentley9533]

This is pushing me so far into a rabbit hole about Viridius and all we don't know.

[@PtolemyJones]

Those tall bodies with the good teeth might have been pirate attackers. Mass grave after a battle? Could explain the scatter.

[@michaelkamradt4700]

I've been watching these over and over to the point where I call walls, wolls. Peace from across the pond y'all. God save the King!

[@jimmusson]

But can you say sheduled

[@RatelHBadger]

Shed Yuled

[@claytoncarson111]

Shed Jeweled

[@RatelHBadger]

@@claytoncarson111 Arthur "two shed uled" Jackson

[@leecarlson9713]

Occasionally, I will binge watch episodes, and then I have to make a mental translation back into American English for a couple of days!

[@brianchurch1254]

What an amazing team!

[@steveclark5357]

I love watching the crew sitting around at the end of the day enjoying a beer,real people there, this is one of my favorite channels on you tube, it just relaxes me, a good channel, I mean the time team, what a treasure

[@michaelbelisle8930]

This is one of t he best time teams i have ever seen scence i found this show over ayear ago.great work.

[@mclarenscca]

One of the best episodes yet! Fantastic!

[@Hinata.Sakaguchi]

Imagine now. They don't have to use an expensive Helicopter just to see the Landscape. Drones can do that today.

[@happygrandma5637]

Wonder what has happened since at this site. There doesn't seem to be a date as to when this 1st aired, however, everyone looks quite young and, Kerry is digging. In later episodes Kerry became site manager as well as assuming other duties and he no longer took an active part in digging. This might be a site to return to in 2024 or 25.

[@kcmessenger5558]

Wasn't there also a "Veridius" inscription found at the dig at Tintagel?

[@sugarnads]

Tony there at the start looked like he was about to have a cunning and devious plan

[@IratePuffin]

I love this show so much.

[@manzana153]

Looks as if Baldrick is still digging trenches like in Blackadder Goes Forth. ;) Keep going! This is an amazing and interesting series.

[@RoseCarroll-pk6mt]

Teamtime is the best show ever made in uk today

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

all the people in this program are smart, educated, compassionate, and just plain funny!

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting.

[@TrophyNZ1]

Loving these episodes

[@dann5268]

Very interesting!!!! Great job!!!

[@Harry-Hartmann]

A Very interesting Video 👌🏻👍🏻

[@williamfindspeople4341]

This video was very educational and highly informative

[@lisaward7519]

Such a good episode!

[@ArtbyKatina]

Looks like a well built road 😊 0:32

[@mickylove76]

That’s lovely topsoil.

[@jdsteppenzyde]

Maggie Darling’s voice is mesmerizing

[@phoule76]

I most definitely hadn't seen this one before!

[@layalabi1667]

Wonderful!!!

[@mrmeowmeow710]

2 mega thumbs up a great video loved it

[@saltynama]

I have been watching for years now from the US and wondering why only 3 days? Wouldn't 5 be best?

[@lindadillon3061]

When they started the show they recorded the show over weekends and each person is employed by different organisations ie Heritage Trust, Bristol University etc.

[@saltynama]

@@lindadillon3061 oh I see and now it's just tradition. America isn't old enough for this attention.

[@lindadillon3061]

@@saltynama Morning from Linda in Australia. Someone also wrote that the volunteers they need for the cleaning of finds or field walking are available on weekends. In one show they emphasised how much planning paperwork they have to do and then do their report after the three days. I also read on you tube Mick Aston wanted the show to encourage communities to engage with archeology in their town etc and before he died he was frustrated that he didn’t think he had achieved his goal. He was too pessimistic as the show showed quick archeology covering all sorts of eras and environments.

[@RKHageman]

@@saltynamaNo, it’s not just tradition, even now- it’s still true that the archaeologists are mostly available on weekends. Doing TT digs isn’t anyone’s regular job, and they are based in different places besides. 🦴🏺🏰

[@christineelsbury5479]

Well Done

[@leecarlson9713]

A little info about Phil Harding. He is from Wessex-think of all the southern counties of England that are on the English Channel. He is entirely a self taught archaeologist, with no formal training at all, but so knowledgeable, he became a very well respected digger. His digging style is impeccably accurate. He is also a world know flint expert, and knapper, again self taught. On Time Team, against the posh accents of many of the others, Phil’s Wessex accent stands out as very different. I am a 79 year old American woman, who is a proud Anglophile, and I love to hear Phil give Tony a hard time, as the difference in their accents is classic. In a field that is known to draw eccentric personalities, Phil has definitely found a home. At the time of Time Time, he is so well respected, he is a lecturer at Wessex University. I wish I could have met him, as well as all the rest of the Time Team experts.

[@normagrimstad8869]

Amazing, that he has no formal training. Quite a man.

[@user-xv6sp4xt9v]

I envy time team people. since I was a teenager I dreamed to join an archeological group to help excavate sites of archeological history. I very much love history it is a magical world of knowing the past and how people lived in earlier periods

[@IHateThisHandleSystem]

Ditto

[@naschelletaylor8440]

People volunteer alot

[@ShortStuffMegs21]

Same. My husband and I have that same wish.

[@oldschoolman1444]

I think the engraved stone in Phil's trench was reused from something else. Who knows, maybe the old guy had it and liked it so they used it when he was buried.

[@leecarlson9713]

This the second episode of Season Nine, and aired in 2003. My records show the episode was titled, “The Roman’s Panic,” with my description that an earlier settlement is brutally demolished to provide space for a Roman walled city, and a sacred site contains a stone dedicated to the Roman God Veridius. My notes from a History Hits episode are very detailed, including Phil’s reaction to the sarcophagus, as opposed to bare bones, and that Mick is “really chuffed” about the inscribed stone going into the textbooks!😁

[@danschneider9921]

I'm a redneck from Kentucky who married a small town english girl. I have a unique perspective on english sarcasm and whit. I do love them

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Bloody hell. How does a Yankee doodle dandy from the deep south even meet a small town English girl?????

[@carlrambow1277]

there should be a part 2 of this one. i need to know more

[@MrChink22]

A priceles series!

[@hiccups55]

I love Time Team ❤. I binge watch this in my free time. Can someone tell me why the archeology is so deep in the ground?

[@RoadhouseDeluxe]

If you take a coin for example, leave it outside for a couple years, then go to the same spot and look for it, you wont find it. Because grass, leaves, dead bugs, any organic matter will break down into soil and the next years vegetation will grow on top of the old. Do that for 1600-2000 years, and what you have once seen on top of the ground, will now be quite deep

[@hiccups55]

@@RoadhouseDeluxe salamat😄

[@tgbluewolf]

If "Viridius" means "mighty, great", is it possible that it's actually a title that Romans used for God when they converted to Christianity? Maybe at least partially to throw the pagan Romans off their tracks by letting them think Viridius is just the latest deity in the pantheon? Fair warning, I admit that I have a habit of letting my imagination run away with me, but the active conversion of individuals and societies from paganism to Christianity fascinates me. I'd love to know the thought processes of these people.

[@The_Not_So_Great_Cornholio]

Being pre-Roman Catholic, it could be that the burial was a synthesis of paganism and Christianity. Viridius could be a local incarnation of The Green Man, who many believe to be the root of the story of Jesus. It could very well be that late pagans or early Christians would have viewed a Viridius-like deity to be one and the same with Jesus, making conversion somewhat unnecessary bc they would have perceived Jesus to be the same figure they were already worshipping. Just speculation, but the Latin 'viridis' is the root of 'verdigris' which is, of course, green. This cannot be a coincidence.

[@nancyM1313]

🌎🕊thank you

[@tony12165]

Can you do something about the minimal volume issue? On nearly all your videos, please.

[@sugarnads]

Suggest its your system. Im on a small tablet at half volume and its entirely audible.

[@mynung7008]

Horological antique at 46:38: what kind of watch is this? Maybe some 1970s' LED electronic watch where you had to press a button to make it light up for a few seconds? I'm sure he didn't dig that up in one of the trenches!

[@boudewijnkaan6945]

Hi team, those bones probably made good it a good use to fortify and strengthen the wall build. Otherwise it is quite unusual to find those human bones being in situ with the stone fragments of that wall. Unless they were cut and chopped up in pieces by defending whatever there was to defend. Thanks for doing such good job Your the best and your presentation is tops.

[@nevillemignot1681]

The Roman's quite often used smashed up tiles to strengthen anything they where building, from defensive walls, town walls, roads etc.........

[@timdyer5903]

Those bones could have been defeated people, killed in battle. Bones used as waste or wall fill.

[@shoutykat]

Isn't "viridis" Latin for "green"? Any connection there to a deity associated with spring?

[@PavelNygryn]

Can be also "fresh" or "vigorous" . But connection to local gods (spring, growth, harvest, fertility...) seems to be possible.

[@paulagebhardt6018]

At the beginning just throwing antiquities around like car garbage 😂

[@wheretheroadtakesus523]

I have updated but no nd filter option. I have special labs turned on but no options.

[@ArtbyKatina]

I’m curiosity about ancient times is, why did they abandon town sites and let them go to rack n ruin? Was it due to a catastrophic event or a new invasion of a different people who thought they could design a better place to live.? And is there a way to find out the answer to these questions

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

Ring up Marty McFly? 🤔😉

[@ellen4956]

Verde or Veridus means green. So I wonder if that god was something to do with growing crops or keeping the forest or land green and fertile. Just a thought.

[@micaspapa474]

Could the ditch with a mix of human and animal bones be A: sacrifices B: discarded bones of enemies to make room..

[@wheatoncloud]

Turn right here Tony. Turn left here. Turn right here. Turn left here. Who's driving this car Mick?

[@leecarlson9713]

Tony frequently gets assistance from Mick, partly because Mick is the only one in the vehicle who has the vaguest idea where he is going!😁

[@ROOKTABULA]

The way he was throwing artifacts back in that SUV was shocking. Hire an actor though, what does one expect?

[@hixiegirl]

Mir auch!

[@jamesbingham4538]

does it ever stop raining?

[@saberx08]

This episode first aired in January of 2002. Legend says it's still raining! LOL

[@c1ph3rpunk]

I was once in London for a week one August, I was told I managed to come in their one week of summer. It rained, of course, but it reminded me of Florida rain, short bursts of a deluge of water then boom, sun. Was there once in April for a couple weeks, it rained, the entire time. I see why they all holiday in Spain, France or Greece. As an American I find it cool that they can visit another country in the same time it takes me to fly from Chicago to Texas. But, that’s one thing I did notice there, Europe in general, they don’t get how expansive the US is.

[@cleverfitz779]

Good afternoon everyone

[@ktrayan1]

Does Phil have a non-standard English accent? I know there are many English accents but his sounds distinct! I’m here in California wondering!

[@leecarlson9713]

Phil is from Wessex, and it is definitely a none standard accent.

[@fredsanford9224]

does anyone know the season and episode of this broadcast?

[@leecarlson9713]

Season 9, episode 2.

[@fredsanford9224]

Thanks 9713. I appreciate it!@@leecarlson9713

[@redfive5856]

Typical Mick: Stop digging here, there's nothing here. Typical Phil: (throws wallet on table) Bet. Typical Mick: I knew it all along.

[@wtbofnc7880]

@ the 46 minute mark, the Red area is a natural island, initially chosen by the people who occupied the island. The area between the red and yellow line is the area where the river encircled the island. After water control reduced the volume of water in the river, that natural island became part of the landscape.

[@s73fan.]

Iya Baldrick, how are you bro :) Iya Baldrick, how are you bro :) I love Blackadder, sorry for the offtopic :)

[@jasonsearle7832]

I mean they were in Britain. The locals weren't overly friendly makes sense to build a wall of the get a bit aggressive

[@TheShootist]

which episode is this

[@JulianneTure]

Season 9, episode 2.

[@helix1061]

Perhaps you should geo-phys an existing ditch that looks promising

[@Dovietail]

It's so yummy how the Brits say "SHED-uled." 😁

[@maryloulindquist7453]

WHY "JUST 3 DAYS" ??!!??

[@ShortStuffMegs21]

Because they had jobs during the work week?

[@leecarlson9713]

Yes, that was one reason. Mick Aston had a desire to make archaeology interesting to the man on the street, so he came up with the idea of a three day dig, on weekends. This allowed nationally famous (in their fields) archaeologists to work on the digs, and continue their regular jobs (most of them were at universities) during the rest of the week. It also made the digs much more interesting to the viewers, and added a little suspense-could they get it done in just three days?

[@ainekearney9041]

And to think they turned down the king in the carpark. How that must hurt.

[@benvenables6583]

Who is the presenter at 3:48 ?

[@jack0cat]

I don’t think that Margret realizes that it’s been in the ground for two thousand years there’s is no way organic matter from Decomposition could be dangerous.

[@arturfalcao1260]

Por favor, ponham legendas em outro idiomas. Há adultos, idosos e crianças que gostariam de ter acesso ao conteúdo do canal, mas que não entendem inglês (porque nunca tiveram acesso ao ensino da língua) Grato!

[@gemini_interests]

As a former Motion Picture Television Production Major...the Only Three Day thing could be due to tv production times...

[@leecarlson9713]

Please see my response to @marionsmith7694. I saw a program where the reason for the time limit was explained.

[@kikinnit]

Since the Brit’s adopted the Roman way…are there gladiatorial arena all over Britain?

[@LucyTrestrail]

There's a roman Amphitheatre buried under London called Guildhall that you can visit and there are remnants of others around parts of the country

[@CaliKiwi-]

Who’s the idiot that limited these to 3 days? Why not a week? It sounds good too!

[@RKHageman]

It’s pretty simple. The archaeologists were doing these on their weekends- they all had and still have their regular jobs to go back to Monday morning. So the actual dig starts Friday morning and ends Sunday evening, roughly once a month or so. In several episodes, Tony actually states what day it is: “It’s four o’clock Sunday afternoon, and we have an hour before we have to present our findings in the village hall…” etc. And who planned it that way? Mick Aston himself. They were always intended to be evaluation digs to find out the basic nature of a site- it’s not, and never was, meant to excavate the entire site; frequently they were there to find out if a site could be scheduled or protected, or excavated further by the local council.

[@jasoncraig2137]

Is there a way that you can put some fertilizer and plant better grass on your land

[@RKHageman]

What you’re seeing in this film was photographed about 2003, IIRC. A little late for giving gardening advice, wouldn’t you say?

[@brettanymichellelawson-top5197]

Sounds celtic

[@thegarbone]

Ya, think that fellow in the grave was an early Christian who may have brought the Gospel to the locals, honored by entombing him in the ruins of the old temple that represented a past that was no longer believed the truth. Just my take.