Time Team S20-E03 A Capital Hill

Time Team investigate a huge hill near Cardiff that may be immensely significant; is it the long-lost Iron Age capital of South Wales?
During the course of their investigations the archaeologists make one particularly rare discovery: the most complete Early Iron Age cup ever found in South Wales, which proves that the site is from the earliest part of the Iron Age, at around 800BC.
A huge hill dominates the Ely housing estate in Cardiff. Its towering ramparts and deep ditches identify it as a hillfort, and the effort of their construction indicates that this was no ordinary Iron Age homestead. The site's so big that thousands of people could have lived up here.
It's never been explored before. If there were houses, none are visible now and the age of the fort has always been a mystery.
Tony Robinson and the Team have five acres of hilltop, half a mile of ramparts and ditches, and just three days to answer some very big questions.
Fortunately, local residents are keen to help, and finds such as jewellery and fine drinking-vessels show that Iron Age domestic life in the area was rich and colourful.
But finding any houses is harder than anyone imagined and provokes fierce arguments among the Team as time ticks away.

[@RamblinJer]

With Time Team in Cardiff I want to share this story. My 2nd great grandmother from Cardiff immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1907. I was fortunate enough to acquire her address book, letters and photos. While tracing my family, I decided to write the addresses from her book. Many came back as the homes no longer existed, but some months later I received a response and to my delightful surprise it was addressed from her childhood home. The family who was living there took it upon themselves to further my research and had sent copies of the documents. This was such a kind gesture that's not been forgotten. It was also nice to learn that I planted a seed and they too began their own research.

[@Ivehadenuff]

What a wonderful story! Good luck finding more information.

[@THINKincessantly]

“Says something rude in iron age and then throw it in a ditch”--Francis Pryor 🤠

[@trevorgrindz5556]

"For an archaeologist, this is just about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on." -Tony

[@erinobrien8408]

Love Time Team!!! I could live without the Harry Potter-esque music though. Really miss Prof. Mick!!! RIP dear one. 🙏

[@joelnolan7642]

man, Francis is just genuine when he gets excited. I know he gets a bit on a tangent about the ritual stuff, but you can't help but like him when he gets excited about a find.

[@therushingman]

I went to Google Earth to look at satellite images of the area, as I do with most TT digs. The July 10, 2013, image shows three trenches, a few cars and vans, a couple tents, and a bunch of folks digging about. I really want to believe that this is a happy little coincidence!

[@joshschneider9766]

it is they're the only ones who were up there all that year

[@georgedorn1022]

If the date of the image is correct, it must have been a subsequent dig. This episode first aired on 13th January 2013 and was filmed in 2012.

[@billie-jobenway8658]

The music for this episode is hilarious for me. I keep waiting for them to spot a living dinosaur for the first time and by the end of the episode only Phil survives to tell the tale. lol

[@barbmcconnaughey3070]

BillieJo Benway It is rather “Disney” isn’t it. 😆

[@vermontvermont9292]

I was going to say it's a bit Tim Burton music vibe.

[@nigelprosser5692]

But the time team crew are living dinosaurs . 😂👍

[@lisabritten7042]

I definitely got some “Harry Potter” vibes.

[@profaneangel0842]

​@@lisabritten7042sounds like an ice cream van

[@bettytyrrell940]

What a treat it is to watch re runs of the show. I love the utter dedication and excitement whenever they discover parts of our past. Thank you Time Team, for the years of pleasure and education you have provided so well.

[@marcblack1]

My friend. It has been a few years since my last "Thank You", for having posting every thing you've been sharing..... " FROM ALL OF US WHO FALLOW YOU, A BIG WELL HEARTED. THANK YOU"...

[@Jenalgo]

but they are not his to share. he's a scumbag pirate.

[@oni_goroshi]

@@Jenalgo you dont have to be an asshole your whole life.

[@scarletfluerr]

Do you really think do you really think if bbc4 wanted these taken down they'd still be here? You are an idiot Internet Quality Douchbag.

[@Pauldjreadman]

Yes, CH4, would have done something about it by now. They haven't uploaded themselves yet which actually annoys me especially when people moan when other people are doing it.

[@Buddydudeguy]

I think this about every episode he isn't in, but Stewart would have been great in this episode.

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

+Gerald Morton He sees everything in the landscape!

[@violetelin1901]

I was thinking exactly the same.

[@charlieherron5462]

Stewart could have held up his own show.

[@ndotgw]

As always, many thanks, Reijer, for posting the Time Team episodes so well and so faithfully. 👍🏼

[@MrLotrecht]

yes but not in 26o thats sad!

[@lindasue8719]

Several weeks and 20 series later, I finally had my first Phil Harding dream LOL he was helping me look for something, go figure 😁

[@JETWTF]

Did he take a trowel to your sofa cushions?

[@tripleransom4349]

Hah. He could have excavated many layers of cat toys from under my couch.

[@JamesSmith-fz7qk]

Haha

[@kathypogue9644]

I am so addicted to this show. I love it when they argue with each other. It's hilarious. K

[@karenklnck1377]

It gives the experts an opportunity to be pedantic without sounding pedantic.

[@johnnorris8567]

Surprised no one else built a fort or castle on that hill over the 2000 years.

[@dancingwithnature5303]

🎼 I love the incidental music! It sounds like music written for Peter Pan!! Indeed, perfect for our favourite archeologists & presenters!! 🎵🎶

[@tonistinchcomb6247]

I wish this was aired on American TV. I would love it!

[@CarolynLDean]

I’d watch any of these with Francis in them. :)

[@gilliancunningham5488]

Thank you Reijer this series of intelligent programs are fantastic.

[@davidwitter3986]

A whole community sharing a cup at the end. Grand. Good to remember. I hope the covid age will end. cheers

[@saintboudreau1545]

love those post holes, the soil remembers.

[@highonimmi]

best archeo/anthro statement evah! the soil remembers....

[@phoule76]

I like the noises they make.

[@hudlifuk]

Hi from Prague, thanks for all this episodes. I love it!

[@patrickkobolt3069]

I wish some people on "the continent" would do more shows like this all over Europe.

[@dancingwithnature5303]

Welcome!!! Aren't the Time Team episodes and specials brilliant? I love them, even more now during this covid-19 pandemic!!! They have such a wealth knowledge to learn from!!

[@paulbriody297]

Love Time Team to bits!!!!!

[@flickaJay]

Don't you just love this different music? It makes it seem like a mystery of sorts. Happy, happy I am. I don't think I've seen this one. My husband and I have gotten discouraged b/c we thought we'd watched them all.

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

@@flickaJay Every *Time Team, Time Team Special* and most *Time Team America* programmes have been posted on YT by *Fillask, Reijer Zaaijer* and the _official_ *Time Team* channel.

[@christinecole330]

I have been watching about two episodes a day and can't get enough... I realized why I'm addicted, I took a DNA profile for food allergies and it said my lineage was 90% from Britain..no wonder I'm loving this show .. it's home

[@hudlifuk]

Big thanks for uploading!

[@debbiedaniels2390]

Thank you so much for posting this series.

[@susansouthard]

What’s amazing is, 2000 yrs ago, the people didn’t know the chemistry how to smite copper. However, they knew how to do it and it just knew how it worked.

[@jonathaneffemey944]

thanks so much for posting.

[@NickMusselle]

used to walk shandy and Bruno our dogs up there. it was just an old quarry and no road. great memories.

[@BenSHammonds]

Cassie is so cute, just love her :) Great episode

[@jfebacher]

Reijer Zaaijer you are wonderful

[@melissaspier4840]

Soooooooo true 💋💋💋⚜

[@cindydintn]

Did you realize he passed away? You can look him up on Facebook. He was a sweet, loving person. I don't know what he died from.

[@phoule76]

Tony telling Faramir that Wales looks like Middle Earth, wonderful!

[@charmedquark11]

Thanks again!

[@tonyjohnson8752]

Phil has the wisdom of Solomon. He should be king of the world.

[@SigEpBlue]

10:20 HORSIES! :D

[@brianvittachi6869]

I am totally in love with Naomi. Thank you for posting Reijer Zaaijer.

[@paperback10]

Nice video. I hate to throw cold water at CW but Citizen and Seiko have been making better and less costly versions of this watch forever. And dare I remind you of that lovely Baltany field chrono for less than $200!

[@BlackburnBigdragon]

The music for this episode is so whimsical that I feel like I'm watching the beginning of some kid-aimed, magical-wizard movie.

[@uncannydan]

A number of comments knock the music..But actually it's intentional. Time team's success is to engage the general adult viewer but ultimately to engage the youth and generate interest in future archaeologistae and preservers/appreciators of history. It's a fail NOT to engage youthful minds.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Initially, I was prepared to defend the music, but after listening all the way through, I decided the producers must have taken their cue from Tony's comment about that map looking like Middle Earth. So, altho' I did like the music, I thought it was an unfortunate choice for this episode...

[@MelissaThompson432]

They failed. Youthful minds recognize fakery.

[@amazinggrace5692]

daniel morris I thought the music was just a pleasant background and not noticeable, as background should. I’m perplexed why it has vexed so many on here. What I hate is when the music is so loud it’s hard to hear dialogue, which seems to be a History Channel standard. Peace! 💕🐝

[@christosvoskresye]

44:54 If the ramparts were not military/defensive, then there must be symbolic significance to the fact that the hill fort is shaped like a T-bone steak.

[@deetsy4jesus]

christosvoskresye You must have been hungry while watching this one! LOL Since reading your comment, I must agree that it looks like one! Nice

[@highonimmi]

nom nom

[@keithjensen6961]

yes thank you very much!

[@nickblum1016]

I love this show.. I'm such a nerd

[@hijtohema]

Looks manicured. According to wiki Phil is also a keen guitarist who regulary jams with other musician. This nail shows that he's (most probably) a fingerpicker. Accoustic folk guitar I guess.

[@joshschneider9766]

Correct. He plays classical guitar by ear and finger.

[@SandraNelson063]

I don't understand. How can it be Time Team without the rain just tipping down?

[@johnspahr1679]

A fascinating show, but I'm afraid there is a very healthy dose of exaggeration between what they found and the drawing at the end. Still, I love the series and find it not only entertaining but very educational as well.

[@KimSerrahn]

I didn't know they excavated a piano.

[@michaelmaciejewicz7534]

You 3 walked up and here comes Tony Driving LoL

[@davidfrobel7582]

it would be funny if after all that digging all they found was a few old beer cans,,,,,lol,,,nice video

[@NickMusselle]

i lived with my dad in 35 Heol Carnau.

[@michaelexman5474]

Phill Harding will always be the marshwiggle to me

[@joannamallory2823]

What's that?

[@hawkmoon03111951]

@@joannamallory2823 Marshwiggles are sort of people that live in one of the 'Narnia' stories by C.S.Lewis. I think that the Marshwiggle that features prominently in the story is called Puddleglum. I can't remember which story it is.

[@xeniabrunel4552]

Caerau Hillfort the jewel in Cardiff`s crown awesome place to visit Travelling by bus in the city Cardiff Bus service 17 and 18 to return to the city centre

[@ralfmanfield.2998]

maps.nls.uk/view/102342664 top left corner of map also Haematite was mined half a mile to the south (also shown on the map)

[@lostinwoods8354]

Wheres Stuart? I love his perspective!

[@joshschneider9766]

he had left the series by this point if I'm not mistaken

[@datadog7179]

Tony, he is Hippy-dippy. Harder to attack up hill! Plus you always defend the high ground.

[@datadog7179]

Not houses, barracks, it's a Hill Top Fort, right?

[@margrabina]

Lov ya :)

[@mariahunter9882]

The music in this show is really gorgeous.

[@Atomsk102]

Raise your hand if every time they mention "iron age roundhouse" you envision a big building used to store steam locomotives.

[@joshschneider9766]

Switcher hubs are in fact turning sections of rail that move 360 to connect to various lines covered in a round she'd believe it or not

[@michaelmccaffery2684]

38:15 "This is our last Ditch effort" wonder if the pun was intended?

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

Nice idea but I doubt it.

[@ijunkie]

There isn't a hill in Britain without a castle or Roman fort or chieftan's hut.

[@angelitabecerra]

Really enjoyed the music of this episode

[@dennissmith9747]

Has Time Team ever done any searches for Brian Boru from Ireland?

[@grantkohler7612]

Round about minute 27 he mentioned corn was grown there 2000 years ago which I thought was imported from the Americas (roughly circa 1500), so I looked online and found the word corn doesn't really mean what I had been taught. agron-www.agron.iastate.edu/Courses/agron212/readings/corn_history.htm

[@TheLittledikkins]

The 'corn' he refers to is barley.

[@grantkohler7612]

Little Dikkins Yep, I felt a bit of a fool being reminded what I call corn should actually be called maize. It's just one of those silly language things, like when the wife says "You can wash the dishes now." - It's not so much of a permission as it would seem.

[@TheLittledikkins]

Grant, I'm a "California Girl' but I knew that barley was called corn overseas.

[@grantkohler7612]

Little Dikkins California native or transplant? I visited California for a couple of years attempting to be a transplant back in the early 90's. It's really quite a nice place, but I missed my folks so I came back to Pennsylvania. I haven't got out much since, nor do I feel I need to anymore. Well, be good. -G

[@jdemo7167]

I had no idea of the European corn/barley name conundrum. Thanks for sharing that, knowledge is good. I was aware that many of the wife's permission statements were not genuine permission but something else ie; "you go right ahead then."

[@jameswillson7635]

Music is annoying. Leave the music for the movies, not for Time Team

[@JamesSmith-fz7qk]

I notice a lot of people pronounce the c in Tacitus as an s, when in Latin it would have been a k sound…

[@lindasue8719]

What would the ancient people have been using for thatch?

[@vincerussett7922]

Possibly straw (old varieties tend to have long stems), but I suspect more likely water reed, since there are a lot of low-lying areas nearby where it could be harvested.

[@jocelynperry9775]

The music in this episode is fabulous!

[@patlong3903]

NOT!! It sounds like they lifted a theme from a Disney film.

[@jllbruce11]

What is it with the music? Is this Walt Disney or is this time team?

[@Go-Dawgs]

Anyone who doubts Francis Pryor is soon to be found wrong. His experience and knowledge could never be replaced.

[@CanChikMay]

Wish they would find something bigger…or cooler..

[@evelynmoyer9069]

Perhaps the banks and ditches caught rainwater for farming on high ground during ages when the low country was marsh and bog.

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

*Evelyn Moyer* Unlikely but I can understand why you would think that.

[@BoyProdigyX]

What is WITH the Harry Potter music?! haha

[@richardjones186]

I don't really care for the Harry Potter background music. This Mark's the beginning of the end.

[@vladislovkyzinski3430]

Have they ever found per-historic animals in the digs?

[@Buddydudeguy]

***** Yes. I can't remember the precise episodes, but they have definitely unearthed mammoth at least once and aurochs many times.

[@vladislovkyzinski3430]

Gerald, this is a GREAT documentary. As a Yank from the midwest, I've always wondered if their are mammoths and pre-historic digs in the huge 200 mile stretch of grazing land between Chamberlain SoDak and the Black Hills. Never heard of any findings there. Of course, we all hear about the mammoth swamp burial grounds just outside of Hot Springs. However, most of the digs only reveal tiny creatures. Odd.

[@jormot]

+Vladislov Kyzinski look up The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs, South Dakota.

[@vladislovkyzinski3430]

jormot There are a great many more bones in Burning Mattress.

[@MelissaThompson432]

@@vladislovkyzinski3430 I think all states have state archaeologists, part of whose jobs are to answer these very questions. And, look! history.sd.gov/Archaeology/staff.aspx

[@annabellewallis291]

Says, not avalible in your country :s

[@rebeccagrant6586]

8:37

[@dowphantom3792]

how does everything get so buried? purposely or from nature and time?

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

All and others.

[@mingycomumbus167]

15:18 Ten family members in each one-room house? Gross!

[@cogidubnus1953]

That's about the same as thousands upon thousands of folk in 19th century slums...

[@ralfmanfield.2998]

thats bedroom tax for you lol

[@BlackIjs]

I keep expecting the next show in this season to be "The Search for Hogwarts".... in just three days.

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

The funny and sad thing... People in the future will go digging and find stuff too, and then Wonder why no one resettled the area..

[@ralfmanfield.2998]

until they check youtube lol

[@71LibraryGal]

The music... Belongs in a children's movie, not a reality show targeted to adults. So distracting from what the people are saying and explaining :(

[@chrisgordon5719]

One person loves the music.

[@lucygray6162]

God, please don't refer to this as a "reality show." As far as adult viewers, there's nothing on here that a kid couldn't watch, and I'd be thrilled to see children interested in this.

[@BryonLape]

Was hoping they would find Captain Jack.

[@BryonLape]

Harkness, not Sparrow.

[@granskare]

perhaps you may wish to change your language choice or if they ask for it, your location...good luck

[@QuakerLady]

The sound track is atrocious. They used to just have Tony speak, now he needs musical accompaniment? I hate it!!!

[@mamadiana1]

is it supposed to look like a giant phallus?

[@ralfmanfield.2998]

Im from Caerau and it looks like a normal one to me lol

[@aarongallant4280]

I have to ask. Was the pun intended?

[@ohkaygoplay]

I miss the old music. This all sounds like it's trying to copy Harry Potter.

[@BlackIjs]

I got that impression too.

[@jwnagy]

Definitely hippy dippy

[@itmademesignup9508]

After this episode, Phil quit the team and opened a pub in Chirai.

[@JonnyValleyBoy]

*caerau

[@PalofGrrr]

?I dont want to tangle with them?" Is that not the very definition of the role of a Fort??

[@annabellewallis291]

Is there a chance your could re-upload this again?

[@Sp33gan]

Love watching all the TT episodes but the music for this one borders on irritating. It feels like someone copped a loop from a Harry Potter soundtrack, turned the volume too high, and just ran it over and over again.

[@Jean-yn6ef]

💚🏜️ what is up with the Harry Potter music?!

[@saintboudreau1545]

money, still and forever. these were manufacturing and trade centers close to the sea shore for world traders to see and be impressed with products. now just keep francis from HOODOO VOODOO and stay with product we will learn.

[@vliegendehollander55]

Tony should have have with him a dog, sniffing for truffles, he would be millionaire in a year (smile)

[@ThatSwedishGuy]

Yes I got this to work in Uk by downloading hotspot shield, couse I cant see it in England, kinda stupid, but when hotspot sield say I am in USA I can, top tip for u who cant see this

[@imbwildrd3693]

They call the "communal cup" the "Covid cup" these days....

[@Spitalhatch]

Why on earth did they add all the background music - it's distracting! Are they now aiming at an audience who normally cannot function without earplugs shoved in their ears at all times? Bad decision!

[@Ranillon]

This new music makes it sound as if we're watching, "Time Team and the Chamber of Secrets" -- e.g. a sort of Harry Potter-ish fantasy adventure.

[@Spitalhatch]

Ranillon Not much good if you're not a Harry Potter fan!

[@allisonolwell6993]

Ranillon thats EXACTLY what I thought! very HP!

[@ExUSSailor]

It IS awfully distracting, and I agree, a bad decision. But, then, since when have television executives been known for solid decision making?

[@kristenharris421]

Just weird

[@morrigan191]

I'm surprised there's no comments being grossed out by the communal cup. Am I just a weird germaphobe?

[@lorawiese5897]

It was a different time. When they shared at the end you did not see everyone take a sip mostly kids. Others may have lifted the mug but not really drank out of it. But for the TV magic to work I imagine a few did and they were probably selected beforehand.

[@Mrcool12684]

I wish Time Team was still running. We just don't get good historical shows anymore here in the US. We get Ice Road Truckers and Ancient Alien crap oh and Naked and Afraid oh and Swamp People. It is just making humans dumber. Shows like Dancing with the stars and Desperate House Wives are all making stupid humans

[@areyouavinalaughisheavinal5328]

14:18 rofl

[@areyouavinalaughisheavinal5328]

17:12 John covers his mouth to prevent himself from saying what he's thinking... which is "Francis, I'm right, you're wrong and you're a fucking idiot". rofl

[@DIGGER19860]

Lol, you brits call that a communal mug? In america thats just a large.

[@scarletfluerr]

The current American large is equal to the American small decades ago. Sizing has changed all over the world and it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Not to mention England is not that far behind America in obesity status and Australia has increased by 62% . Sorry to burst your bubble m8.

[@michaelboyd636]

Can you find Samuels timpel and the other half of his town of eli and samael s carters of jessy