Why Are There Human Bones Sticking Out Of This Cliff? | Digging for Britain

Professor Alice Roberts and Dr. Nisha McWeeney take us on an exploration of Britain's West, revealing remarkable archaeological discoveries. Highlights include, an Anglo-Saxon dig in the Cotswolds, where high-status artifacts like a silver-gilt sword pommel and a silver buckle are uncovered, shedding light on early 6th-century history. Plus at Barrow Clump, the team finds human remains, examining the impact of military activities and investigating the unusual coastal burials potentially linked to shipwreck victims.
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[@ginnygin7141]

Its really nice to see the enthusiasm of the people in this field. they all seem so energetic and excited to be doing this. Really wholesome and sweet

[@stewartjones2173]

Yes but what's unsettling is the bands of tourist detectourists(sic) that come over from America to scour our land for finds.

[@davesnothere8859]

yeah? I see them disturbing people who have passed, fine line between science and grave robbing.

[@ruthd7274]

It's the best job in the world 😊

[@ruthd7274]

It's the best job in the world!😊

[@user-zk8ed4kd2b]

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed this video.

[@jennyshaw5098]

I am constantly amazed that some viewers criticize on unimportant aspects despite the amazing information shown.

[@AislingL]

Especially when it’s out of their control, like ADs.

[@bobhead6243]

Alice presents , This always gets my attention , Such a good presenter, The enthusiasm and knowledge are wonderful to watch .

[@outsidethepyramid]

She’s a little Minx!

[@megalithicmaiden]

@@outsidethepyramid Um... sure.

[@coprolite9000]

To those concerned about the excavation of graves - be aware that actual grave robbers operate in the UK, in the form of 'nighthawkers' - unscrupulous people with metal detectors, usually operating at night. I suspect that first dig in the Cotswolds was for just that reason - I remember a similar dig in a later episode where predation by nighthawkers was cited as a reason for excavation. Once word got out - those graves would have been destroyed by criminals, with all knowledge of the past lost. Far better to learn about those who went before...

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

Complete and utter nonsense, metal detectors don't go that deep not to mention this site would have never been found if it was for detectorists who make a massive contribution to archelogy in the UK, many artifacts would be lost for ever if it wasn't for the hobby.

[@drewwendell]

@@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo Every story has multiple sides. Yes, predatory metal detectorists exist. No, not all or even most metal detectorists are predatory. Yes, metal detectorists are a vital part of the archeological ecosystem. No, a site with valuable goods is not "safe" if it is well known/publicized but not monitored. Ironically, while the graves in question might not have been in danger from predatory actors of all types _before_ the site was on national television, it most certainly would have been afterward. Since I don't know all the facts, it's hard to say here, but I'd remind everyone that the truth is most often found between the two extremes.

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

@@drewwendell 'Predatory'? we call them nighthawks and they're few and generally take what's in the top 200mm that's generally removed be archaeologists before they start, your assigned FLO are very appreciate and many detect themselves though they've become slower and slower.

[@ericagersborg5029]

Medical schools used to pay grave robbers for fresh cadavers

[@disbud596]

Archeologists are glorified grave robbers, there is no difference besides an expensive unnecessary education.

[@devinshirekineally3721]

i love that the professor kept the old school casio watch as part of the archaeology from the dig lol what an awesome teacher he must be! i'd never be late for class lol

[@AislingL]

33:30 WOW I didn’t know this about him. I’ve watched a few archaeology episodes with him in it and I’ve always found his knowledge to be very valuable and interesting to watch. Very happy to know he is crushing his recovery. You are very appreciated!!

[@andyeasy3320]

I used to love watching Julian's Meet the Ancestors.

[@garywilde6171]

Really interesting series. Could do without the sudden stupid extremely annoying loud adverts which start without warning. Mute button, and 'skip' at the ready.

[@petermcmurray2807]

Pay your KZbin fee

[@skippythetubrat]

Firefox + unlock origin. Or the Brave browser. The only ads I see on KZbin is when the content creator does am in video ad for his/her sponsor.

[@cleof1503]

dverts and said advert volume is determined by KZbin and not the channel. The advert is set at a standard mid volume, the reason it sounds so loud is that this channel uploads its content at a very low volume, much lower than the norm.

[@williamharris8367]

Another alternative is to download the video and watch it offline. This defeats all of the various advertisements (and the video remains available in case the original is removed for whatever reason).

[@darrelldog5]

Yes, I totally agree. When I had a few bucks, KZbin pay was so worth it. Zero commercials! Lol... Some videos are so relentless with the amount of adds, they are unwatchable!...

[@deckiedeckie]

Marvelled at such honesty on the part of the folks doing the digging....

[@gabehartman6832]

Dr.Roberts presentation is amazing , she is a British National Treasure!!!

[@saorsa5]

No you are wrong she is nothing but a British unionist Britain is not a country

[@gowdsake7103]

The editing is bloody terrible

[@seekter-kafa]

nah, it would be much better were she wearing lingerie while doing it

[@josiewales290]

She dissecrates graves and robs The contents. I don't see nothing great about her. People ain't even safe in their own graves.

[@MagentaBlock]

Alice Roberts seems to me to be an arrogant know-all

[@mersmithy1269]

PROF ALICE ROBERTS... Wills Mum of Archaeology ❤

[@andrewlouis3475]

Gorgeous Archaeology Documentarie’s! As always videos so adorable and classic! Dr. Alice put your heart and talent to create this video so perfect, love your beautiful personality, and everything about you is so unique and attracts the eyes and captivates the mind in an inexplicable way. They are intelligent and value scientific knowledge, and doing great for the soul. Congrats. Much thanks from St. Louis, Missouri. 🇺🇸🦅

[@colinfew6570]

Dr. Naoise Mac Sweeney has such a soothing voice.

[@jodyknight]

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Please lower the volume level at your ad for History Hit because it makes me instantly stop the video to fast forward past it every time. I understand you do it to get the viewer's attention, but you're not thinking about viewers using headphones or people who are watching trying not to annoy or wake-up others around them with the noise from the video. I know I'm not the only person to comment about this so please consider it as I think more people would take more notice of the ad if it wasn't blasted at them in the middle of a calming history video. And for those who wish to complain about my complaint,....I'm allowed to have and voice my views, just like you. Have a great day.

[@MrTorleon]

Indeed, I am with you :) Sadly, intrusive ads and promo`s are the plague of our times, and easily destroy any continuity of the subject being watched - and equally sadly, the History Hit promo is, as you indicate, unnecessarily long and loud - I always switch the sound off :(

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

I agree 100%

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

And they certainly are not thinking about disabled people lying down on the other side of the room who cannot suddenly jump up and leap across the room to their desktop to turn the volume down at 3 AM and fast forward past their garbage ads. {:o:O:}

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

@@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095 considering I blew my knee out fencing, I was in that predicament 3 weeks ago. I'm more capable now, but I fully get ya.

[@jodyknight]

@@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095 That's very true and that's me you're talking about too, so thank you for thinking of us as well. I'm often up at 3am watching videos because I'm in pain a lot.

[@deckiedeckie]

Diggin' for Britain....the best series about Britain innKZbin!!

[@mlarsen77]

This was one of the best archeology films I have ever watched. hands down.....

[@GoodtoGaia]

Was expecting Philomena Cunk to walk up to the camera 😂

[@rurone]

I adore the shirt "Possible Ritual Use" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@brontesegard8305]

Everything is thought of as "ritual use." As if no one just needed useful life tools and products.

[@29jgirl92]

Oh I need that shirt!

[@EllieDaisy]

The subtle shade, love it 😂😂

[@AislingL]

I’m really missing being out in the field 😭 these videos are my favorite to watch but omg it makes me miss it even more!

[@snowflakemelter1172]

When does grave robbing become archaeology? Just an interesting question , no agenda behind this question.

[@KernowekTim]

same.

[@King.Mark.]

​@@KernowekTim just sad that they feel the need to dig up the dead

[@barryp9696]

4 years. At least.

[@weegiewarbler]

​@@King.Mark. they're not complaining. Once you're dead, you're dead. They're just digging up fertiliser.

[@Summertimeislife]

When no one who knew the person is no longer alive. Also if the sight is probably of historical significance it can be considered archaeology.

[@kyoglesage]

Please try to ensure your programme and advertisement sound levels match so we're not suddenly having our eardrums assaulted by your ads! Thank you.

[@Alesha_Lewer]

Or you could pay to get rid of them. The channel doesn’t chose the volume of the advert, KZbin itself does

[@EllieDaisy]

Nothing to do with the channel, complain to KZbin. Or buy ad-free.

[@csengelajos]

love this but the video is way too quiet compared to the ads

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Food on the grill. Good history show. Ale in hand. I'm good.😂

[@fabiodeoliveiraribeiro1602]

In England, Sir Walter Scott's romantic literature restored the dignity of the Saxons and, in a way, stimulated the development of both historiography and archeology. Echoes of this can be seen in Brazil. First in the romantic literature of José de Alencar, who later encouraged the study of indigenous societies and the archaeological sites they left in Brazilian territory. But no one produces TV programs like this in Brazil. Here the memory needs to be buried because there are still landowners who covet indigenous territories, invade it to cut wood, extract gold, etc... Businessmen like Elon Musk bought tons of gold criminally extracted from indigenous territories during the Bolsonaro government. Even today there is a well-structured political right that propagates hatred against Indians and encourages organized violence against them. These conflicts do not exist in England, but I suspect that the proliferation of programs like this serves another purpose: to divert the population's attention from the distributive conflicts caused by neoliberalism to concentrate income. The same problem (the institutionalized greed of the rich) produces the same results through different devices (erasure of memory in Brazil, overexploitation of the past in England).

[@shawnsanborn2057]

I agree with all you say but one thing. It’s not just the (far right) it’s the uniparty )!

[@shawnsanborn2057]

I agree with all you say but one thing. It’s not just the (far right) it’s the uniparty )!

[@JohnChrysostom101]

Brazil is gross

[@gitmoholliday5764]

Years ago I was making some sparks with an egg sized flint, a quarter snapped off and inside was a thick hair lodged in, like from a pony or wild pig..

[@lesjones5684]

Red is my favorite color ❤❤❤

[@CozetM]

I've seen VERY similar pottery from ancient dwellings in the Grand Canyon. The desert drifter youtuber gikes the grand canyon and finds shards quite often. How fascinating!

[@1983mojo1]

@Cozet I watch that channel also..

[@gerbrand8132]

Very nice,i hope this never stops.

[@yogi7717]

9:55 he panicked when she picked that bowl up.

[@wandapease-gi8yo]

My first thought when they mentioned the first graves were from non Christians who buried their dead with nice things, was God Bless Them! How wonderful. Not I’m thinking what I would like to be buried with (Christian, but I don’t see why I shouldn’t have things like transistors, vacuum tubes, micro chipped Garfield the cat, plastic Moon Lander. Things like that. Of, yess, also lots od costume jewelry!

[@helenbartoszek243]

Really? Each to their own but I don't understand why you would want to be buried with things that will leech and pollute the ground around you.

[@dragonmummy1]

I want my iPad and air fryer with me when I go!

[@nancytimmer9026]

​@@dragonmummy1 I want to be buried with the TV remote so that every time my heirs want to change the channel they'll think of me.

[@pageribe2399]

It must be really fun and satisfying to work on a highly productive dig like that. Most digs are just dirt and more dirt!

[@anniegetchergun]

A truly spellbinding documentary. I have such mixed feelings about the digging up of bodies. I understand the need to "know" but why can't they be left in situ and simply photographed after bone samples and some teeth are removed for testing? I'm fascinated by all the archaeological discoveries, but the 10 year old boy and his little teeth got me. My Grandson is 10 and that little boy became real to me. I wish he could have been left to rest in peace.

[@kathleenmartin7498]

I like to believe that the little boy is in a much better place and no longer cares where the old bones he used to use are .

[@josephinemitchell9504]

I've read your comment before watching and having grandkids my heart was in my mouth. So now I'll go and watch it prepared for that bit and see what's so important that these remains have to be relocated. Such a sensitive subject. There will be something bigger behind it.

[@anniegetchergun]

@@josephinemitchell9504 Enjoy. Please let me know your take on it😊

[@PablaMMoore]

The soul of the dead is not at the grave. Removing the bones from the burial place does not disturb the soul.

[@marciaspiegel5280]

What they can do is return corpses to the space. Then the looters come in and destroy as badly as Henry.

[@jefferymyers7435]

I love it thank you

[@ZeldasMask]

Love Alice Robert’s!

[@vegas1a]

In case anyone is interested..... This is Season 8, Episode 1, WEST

[@coprolite9000]

... and I gather series 12 is currently being filmed! (One of my absolute favourite programmes.)

[@vegas1a]

@@coprolite9000 I hope that you are correct, I have not done any research on the matter.....

[@markperrault5678]

Fantastic

[@cole8996]

I loved seeing the arrow-head.... my ancestors were Fletchers (arrow makers) from that very location.

[@uksanddancer]

Wow, luckily, they didn't need to dig much to find this lot. Digging up the dead, it's mental.

[@calicored3076]

Stonehenge is around 11,600 years old...not 4500 or whatever

[@oldreddragon1579]

Celtic Christianity is a subject that needs to investigated more, if it's possible.

[@AshleyMartin-f3x]

If i didnt have heart disease this is the women that i would love to follow around for the history of Britain

[@virginiawilkinson5038]

So interesting...wish I was there.❤

[@dennisjones0081]

Alice Roberts ❤️🥰

[@jesterr7133]

Watching Prof Alice makes me want to get into some deep exploration.

[@kevinroche3334]

Does the tank do more damage than an archaeologist, who removes all the burials? Is a burial mound anything more than a pile of dirt after all the burials are removed? Is it worth protecting when it is just a memory of what it was?

[@ruthd7274]

The tank does more damage because it does not record what it finds as it goes. The burial mound is still the structure that was built by our ancestors. That alone is reason enough to preserve it. If we ignore and destroy the past , we will fast become convinced that our generation, and our generation alone, was right. What I mean by that is, it is humbling, grounding and wise to learn of and from our past.

[@ruthd7274]

Short answer, yes. 😂

[@ava.artemis]

Oh my goodness, this is the first time I’ve seen Dr Mac Sweeney in a video. Now I have a crush on two doctors of archeology. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@user-zk8ed4kd2b]

I love this video. Thank you.

[@erictaylor5462]

Glass is actually one of the strongest materials around It is very hard and very stable, it has very high compressive strength but very low sheer strength. It is also extremely stable. It is already a rock. I think it is so rarely found intact has more to do with the fact people don't generally throw out intact glassware, but the often throw out broken glass.

[@ruthd7274]

That, and the weight of the soil on top of it.

[@VildOgStolt4383]

The burial of the teenage/young man with the arms over his head wasn't put in there in some weird manor he was rolled in by someone who couldn't lift him or didn't care how he went in and kicked him in. The arms go like that when they are rolled in and the always land on their face like he was because of gravity, he was on his back next to the grave and then once they dug it they push or kicked him in and when you do that, they go face down 9/10 times.

[@MMASTRIKEZONE007]

You sound extremely experienced in this field…l won’t ask…lmaooo

[@anniegetchergun]

Absolutely agree. Guessing you're a true crime addict like me!

[@barkershill]

@@anniegetchergunor a serial killer

[@anniegetchergun]

@@barkershill Possibly!🤣

[@newto4361]

Good compilation guys thank you,one thing could you have the volume level for the ad adjusted to the same level as the rest of the video,cheers.

[@ava.artemis]

I want to run away and become an archaeologist 😭

[@Grizzleface]

it's actually so crazy how physically demanding this work must be. just hours and hours on your knees digging.

[@juneyshu6197]

Look what its done for all of our lives tho! oh, wait...

[@Grizzleface]

@@juneyshu6197 are you suggesting it's pointless?

[@marvellousmarvin]

Alice the Red 😊❤

[@VildOgStolt4383]

She was Alice the pink back in her Time Team days.

[@alangknowles]

How did they misspell Dr Naoíse Mac Sweeney so badly?

[@ava.artemis]

I was just trying to figure out who she is, this is the first time I’ve seen her in a video. Thanks for providing her name. Now I have a crush on two women archaeologists. 😂

[@Alpsbeach]

0:49 Congratulation *#AliceRoberts* now Professor

[@wingnutbert9685]

8:21- That antler point. Could that not more likely be for knapping?

[@weepair2]

Ultra interesting.

[@MrDeagunJones]

How old do graves have to be before it's okay to dig them up?

[@nancytimmer9026]

100 years (or earlier in places were burial plots are reused.

[@ruthd7274]

When they are threatened with destruction

[@Wayzor_]

Does every UK documentary have to have a 2min opening with the exact same music and drone shots?

[@williamharris8367]

2:30 -- Given the very large number of archeologists, volunteers, film crew, and local landowners who know the location of the site, I wonder how much of a "secret" it really is.

[@gschmidt9594]

I stumble more often about your permanent neglecting of Germany.You mention Netherlands and Scandinavia as If the Saxons did not come from Germany.

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

It's probably do to the fact most didn't come from Germany, the first group Hengist and Horsa, the Jutish warrior brothers, were recognized as the first leaders of the English during the migration period, they came from Denmark, they never called themselves Anglo Saxon, the term was coined by The Venerable Bede.

[@barryp9696]

Can you please turn the sound level up to help people like me who are hearing impaired. The advertisement is better but maybe turn it up just a tad, thanks.

[@klackon1]

Another excellent episode: I'm surprised Richard Osgood and his team weren't climbing all over those Centurion tanks, after all, they are quite ancient.

[@arianboisclair7527]

I really don't see any difference from this and grave robbers- your digging up people's remains and taking out the physical objects as well.

[@arianboisclair7527]

Are you re-burying the bones or taking them for your archeologica Studies?

[@davidwatson8118]

​@@arianboisclair7527 We learn from the past, you could learn something as well.

[@mathiasniemeier4359]

This truly one time I would be crying. Terrible? 😊😢_

[@bobhead6243]

" If anyone knows where his feet are ! " 😂😂🙂

[@BARGEARSE-tk3mh]

You want to know about Stonenge just read George Curtis book Ancient Knowledge. Incredible read.

[@deloiseSchlich]

very good I like

[@tjs114]

Her name isn't Nisha McWeeney, it's Naoise Mac Sweeney.

[@blobrana8515]

Intact deposits could be tested for DNA to give a profile of all the animals and peoples that were present in the cave. The neanderthal/human interface could be crucial to answering key questions on the story of neanderthals in Britain.

[@hollyoswald7808]

DNA analysis is still rather expensive and time consuming.

[@blobrana8515]

@@hollyoswald7808 it's another new tool for paleontologists. Yes it's expensive but it could answer those key questions.

[@jBKht931]

I really wish they would document everything then put it all back where that person was buried with all their items. Treat them with respect and reverence. The actual items can be x-rayed, MRI, photos and a mold copy. Why do they have to put it all in a box in a storeroom?

[@tj9577]

Digging up the dead is very strange 😮

[@elizabethjones5041]

Feel a little sorry for the guy who first found it. Seems like the archaeologists came rushing in.

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

That's what we want?

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ZheadMonkey]

It must be annoying when reality doesn't support the pre-fixed theories.

[@michaelking8642]

Digging up the dead. Is there nothing sacred ?

[@nancytimmer9026]

No

[@davidwatson8118]

They are dead, In a ploughed farming paddock, the dead don't care.

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

Most graves have a 99 year lease.

[@nancytimmer9026]

​@@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo that does depend on location too,

[@Alesha_Lewer]

Get off your high horse. It’s ancient archaeological history and how are we supposed to learn anything if we leave it all buried underground

[@lindathomas5500]

I think the beads were put in by a grieving mother! And the sword by a grieving father.

[@lianefehrle9921]

I always like 👍 k forward to this show

[@kimrae8257]

How old does a burial have to be for there to be no respect for the dead?

[@deborahduthie4519]

The walls the Narrator is standing in front of has some of the Archeology of the area. Evidences of creatures trapped within the rocks used in the construction of the wall, can be seen in every introduction she presents.

[@yindao2830]

Do the unlucky bodies exhumed ever get put to rest again?

[@rossmathieson9636]

Depends on a lot of factors. If the burial is undisturbed and unthreatened by destruction, they usually won't even lift the bones. They will record what they find and rebury in-situ. In some cases the bones are taken away for scientific analysis and reburied later. In special cases the bones will be kept for future study. There has to be an academic justification for this though. In this day and age, nobody wants to keep old bones for the sake of keeping them if there is nothing unusual about the burial.

[@myview1875]

To protect it from those rouge archaeologists out there. 😠.

[@kinemapup]

tanks would apply a similar pressure per area, as the infantryman who follow them

[@AshleyMartin-f3x]

I think that evey field in England has some history

[@notsofast774]

‘Correct’ grammar would be more appropriate from a grammatical point of view…

[@metagen77]

IF you report it you will not even get a finders fee.

[@joanneclarke771]

“Eroding backward” as opposed to eroding forward?

[@giuseppe4909]

Because they were buried there and the ground eroded away exposing them ?

[@calicored3076]

The stuff in that cave is a lot older than they think...

[@johncrichton4341]

The Dunwich Horror...

[@pedenmk]

What a great program. I'm in live with Alice. What a pretty woman.

[@TheGreatDanish]

Oh right, thats where I put those! Sorry, my bad.

[@spellwing777]

Huh, trans Anglo-Saxon burial-not something I expected, but that was pretty cool. Seems like she was a high ranking member of society, going by the really nice jewelry, too. And not a priestess, either, which you'll see a lot with transgender burials, since she's missing anything associated with that occupation-just your typical grave goods of weaving and spinning, like a lot of woman had.

[@cllibutti8711]

What destroyed the village.

[@joanneclarke771]

I want to help. I want to play!!!

[@geoffwalters6055]

It's a sort of show about sort of digging sort of up sort of bones out of sort of dirt with a sort of shovel and sort of trowel and sort of guessing at a sort of explanation and sort of involves a lot of sort of guesswork.

[@mikeskinner1324]

arms above head shows he was dragged in and left

[@equaliser2265]

Because it was a graveyard before the area was eroded over millenia.

[@1Infeqaul1]

Then all that work, and they all end up lying anyways ...sigh

[@harlcc261]

Badgers do this in nature. Tanks aren't nature. They are human made war machines. Badgers, do your thing 😊

[@moped975]

Read Velikowsky!

[@angeliquebelluomini7797]

Flood?