What Was The Roman Invasion Of Britain Actually Like? | Digging For Britain | Unearthed History

From Anglo-Saxon warriors to Roman masterpieces, witness the excavation of ancient sites across the UK. Explore Bronze Age burials, Roman settlements, and even evidence of peaceful coexistence. With Dr Alice Roberts and her team of archaeologists at the forefront, delve into the mysteries of history, revealing untold stories and remarkable artifacts.
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[@ofgs2]

Seeing defence force veterans as archeologists as a form of therapy was very heartwarming. I’m glad there are opportunities like that for them.

[@joncawley2236]

I do not really know where to post. I worked for a company in the 90s on The Croft and leisure park Bromborough near Chester. I was only on this site as an engineer for a week. A year later I was working in Manchester and a shuttering joiner told me that when he was working on one of the corners of the building the excavation team for the foundations came across a mosaic floor surrounded by walls. He and another found vases with pictures on them which they took home for ornaments. I think it was Bovis at the time who were running the job. The agent at the time told the excavation team to bury the mosaic as quickly as they could as he did not want archeologist coming over and stopping the job. I cannot verify if this happened but I can verify the story was told to me. The lads at the time were told to keep quiet so that they would keep their jobs. I am glad that I have this out of my system.

[@OllieEvansartist]

Its not on you mate and well done for speaking on it, business is a cruel mistress

[@bentucker2301]

Probably happens quite a lot. Profit over everything else.

[@betholschowka8865]

You could tell someone now, that there's something there.

[@darrelld.paveyjr.1477]

Matthew Williams, great to see you continuing on after your days on Time Team. Fantastic episode with Dr. Roberts!

[@gwyngriffiths3669]

Professor Roberts!!

[@Nennius01]

He's still on Time Team. They've continued on through KZbin and have a Patreon. They're digging at Sutton Hoo this year.

[@cassieoz1702]

Matthew all grown up!🤣

[@laneoswego6989]

Matthew and Alice make a super team presenting here

[@MrTorleon]

What an absolutely splendid episode, and for me,a bit of a nostalgia trip, having been involved in one of the Roman digs ( in a very minor way ) filmed here, as a willing history PhD :). A late colleague of mine, a highly regarded forensic archeologist would barely contain his excitement when a dig presented evidence which required a significant shift of perspective in our understanding of late Roman - Saxon interaction, and this particular era of British history is constantly being re-evaluated and updated as the combined skills of a raft of interconnected disciplines advance our knowledge ever further. Terrifically well done, and beautifully hosted and presented by the highly respected Prof. Alice Roberts - thank you :)

[@549RR]

Also always fascinating whenever Dr. Jackie McKinley provides her expertise as well, she is still active over at Wessexarchaeology. Loved seeing the two together here! Terrific osteoarchaeologists - I imagine they had a nice tea afterwards.

[@MrTorleon]

@@549RR Oh yes, indeed, I am in full agreement with you - both ladies are utterly brilliant, who know their science, and equally important, have always had the particular skill of providing clearly precise information from their examinations of skeleton remains - as for the tea- Earl Grey perhaps :)

[@badfairy9554]

Thank you@@MrTorleon I forgot my Early Grey.😊

[@Rosiecrossley1]

It’s fantastic to see Jackie from time team here!

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Dr Robert's should collaborate with Time Team

[@Rosiecrossley1]

@@TravisBrady-wn8fr she has she was a member of their team

[@gerbrand8132]

I enjoy these programs so much I hope they continue until the end of my life.

[@jeffstrom164]

Im no expert, but i put my money on the roman invasion being scary.

[@BELA32]

Maybe it was scary if they encountencountered resistance but maybe not if the people surrendered?

[@jeffstrom164]

@@BELA32 I mean, it's scary for the people surrendering either way......

[@user-zk1no9pj7x]

I agree with you but I don't think the Australian Aborigines were happy when the English arrived there

[@jeffstrom164]

@user-zk1no9pj7x what does one have to do with the other? Do blacks and racial tensions have to be shoehorned into everything?

[@user-zk1no9pj7x]

@@jeffstrom164I mean that in history every empire (Roman, French, Spanish, English and so on) has caused death and destruction.

[@Nukaria]

love this! Want to add though, that it would be really useful to add in what episode and series it is/ what year this was recorded. :) as it's not too easy to look up and figure out.

[@mysterreed]

approx 2014, you can see the date on the x-ray scan of the sword

[@samvimes5124]

I've tried to look these up, and I can see what you mean, the available information is not presented in a straightforward way. Just FYI though, this is season 3 episode 2, "West".

[@cetx]

I love the format of seeing a dig, and then interviewing the archæologists who were on site. Fascinating episode!

[@KC-gy5xw]

Can't believe this is 10 years old already! I watched it at the time, love the combo of Alice and Matthew.

[@animerlon]

Have been working on a craft while the video is playing, so have been listening more than watching. What a pleasant surprise to look up & see Matt as one of the presenters. Especially after earlier seeing Jackie once again discussing bones. So great to see familiar faces from Time Team still able to share their passion with us through our TV screens.

[@katherinehowell8227]

crafting while listening is the best :)

[@myallotment1714]

These documentaries are brilliant

[@josi4251]

Having soldiers helping with the excavations is just brilliant. Digging in the dirt for the past -- that's my dream. I grew up digging in what must have been a Native burial ground, pulling out beads and arrowheads. Truly wonderful!

[@davewilson9738]

I think the most wonderful imagery for me personally, is the thought of an Iron Age British farmer sitting down with his family to share a meal of Roman chicken and Spanish wine! We are so much more than an island; we are an original European society.

[@leslielutz6140]

If money were no object I would have the most intricate Roman mosaic floors in my home today.

[@margomoore4527]

And frescoes on the dining room walls!

[@cg256y9]

Good episode! Digging for Britain is a really good show and I've had a crush on Dr. Alice for over 20 years! Ha!

[@gwyngriffiths3669]

Professor Alice

[@garyproffitt5941]

Very intelligent Professor Alice Roberts with Archaeologists, digging for spade and shovel, Great Britain. The Time team with Tony Robinson and job done, outstanding & Roman times. Band of Brothers the Army and be the best. Six century, Anglo-Saxon with round shields and sharp spears, brilliant stuff.

[@vicsaul5459]

I'm fascinated by the fact Cymru /Wales were fighting the Roman invasion from AD47 -AD78 ! Imagine living through that. Ps, Dr Alice could read 'Winnie the pooh and the blustery day ' for pure ASMR, and I'd subb😊

[@stephanieyee9784]

Another wonderful interesting video recap of digs around Britain. I'm glad these sites are about the south-west. Thank you Alice and Matt.

[@1028dianemarie]

Love seeing Matt from Time Team. ❤

[@jont8707]

Dr alice is a great presenter i could listen to her all day she so smart and extremely good looking just makes it easier lol

[@549RR]

Happy International Woman's Day. So delightful that we can be leading, respected experts in our field, and still be reduced to our physical characteristics in youtube comments. FFS.

[@doubled1978]

@@549RRI think it’s very sad that you think that being paid a compliment about hers looks in addition to her professional competence reduces her in anyway. Try letting people pay a compliment, smile and move on with your day, you’ll probably be happier. 👍🏼

[@Zardox-The-Heretic-Slayer]

@@549RR oh do shut up, she wasn't "reduced" to anything; the first thing he said was that she's a great presenter, the 2nd was about her intelligence, only then was her looks mentioned. you should see the comments from women talking about Brian Cox - they don't even bother mentioning his presentation or intelligence.

[@dmeinhertzhagen8764]

Well, this is twenty years ago and she’s a middle aged lady now.

[@Zardox-The-Heretic-Slayer]

still would.@@dmeinhertzhagen8764

[@zuzuspetals38]

I wish they would list the original dates of these videos They are all great though🌟

[@mysterreed]

approx 2014, you can see the date on the x-ray scan of the sword

[@jheathanderson]

Nice to see Mr. Williams retains the same irrepressible enthusiasm that got him through bot fly larva infestation in Belize and long nights/early mornings at Calleva Atrebatum, inter alia. Here we see him wisely deferring to Prof. Roberts, whose combination of expertise and sincere joy is palpable. Check out the reaction to the Ipplepen C-14 results - the archaeologist's quintessential fusion of disbelief/skepticism and fascination at encountering unexpected empirical data. This was an excellent watch, start to finish. Just splendid.

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

You guys are lucky to have such great history to explore and you do a great job. Keep up the great work

[@kidmohair8151]

47:46 "...how different life was back then..." and how similar as well, in the grand scheme of things. yes, the people of that time did not have the possessions we do but their concerns were pretty much the same. housing, food, children. taxes and death.

[@annazaman9657]

Time team also did an episode on Barrow clump

[@nevillemignot1681]

Yes they did, and from memory i also think it also featured recovering troops helping with the dig?

[@veldawells2839]

My first time watching this historical dig channel, as usually follow Time Team. A wonderful documentary, and will continue to follow. Lovely to Jacqueline McKinley and Matthew from TT. Great and educational viewing. Wonderfully edited. However, I only have one question. When there are many burials of who were once individuals, why can't they be left in situ and not removed, with exception of the archalogical historical finds? I understand archaologists can identify how they died and examine some bones for dating, maybe where they came from and what they eat.

[@mikebarrow157]

Prof Roberts and Redfern is a team.

[@richieleeallen6667]

I listen to her every Night to Fall Asleep

[@tandemcompound2]

and Alice says "Badgers? We don't need no steenkin' badgers."

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Way to go! Dr Roberts should join the Time Team. That would be awesome for this history junkie.

[@Combaromarus-pc2rp]

If anyone's very much into Celtic and Roman warfare I strongly recommend Schwerpunkt's videos series

[@gregedmand9939]

I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks for the tip! 👍

[@KernowekTim]

Thank you. A book came to me today, which might interest you. 'Aeriel Atlas Of Ancient Britain'. David Abram; forwarded Alice Roberts. Hard-cover. Superb book. Abe Books got it to me in four days. This is a recent book.

[@elizabethford7263]

Matt! And Alice! Woo hoo!!!!!

[@KernowekTim]

Romans; they're a bit like Marmite, I think. As a Breton/Cornish/Welsh/Eire 'hybrid', I much prefer Raspberry jam on my toast. The sharper the raspberry the better! Another excellent episode.

[@angeloargentieri5605]

ROMA il più grandioso e glorioso Impero della storia; Roma ha conquistato, dominato, costruito e CIVILIZZATO; la grandezza, la potenza, la magnificenza e la GLORIA DI ROMA EST AETERNA, ROMA INVICTA ET LUX MUNDI 💪💯

[@peterwhitejr.9374]

Dr. Alice has come a long way from when she had bright red hair on time team, intelligent, beautiful and a commanding camera presence

[@gwyngriffiths3669]

Professor Alice

[@westcountrymudlarks]

really enjoyed this very good viewing .... so many tiles amazing mind you i would dread the day if we ever dug up a skeleton lol

[@LotsofWhatever]

Currently watching the most recent of the new Time Teams and they don't seem to be too far from that site in the Durotriges lands and Miles is on the dig there as well.

[@EmbraceTheJourney]

another great video. Dr. Roberts, you sounded a bit under the weather, yet you kept on filming and it was very successful.

[@gwyngriffiths3669]

Professor Roberts

[@cheeseapples27]

how is history hit somehow the only company that seems to bypass youtube premiums' no ad policy. can i pay extra to not see these ads too!

[@steveouellette6551]

We’re from Rome and we’re here to help

[@annalieff-saxby568]

"Claudius was a famous scholar, Claudius shed less blood than ink; When he went to fight the Britons From the foe he did not shrink; But the weapons of his choice Were ropes and stilts and camel stink. Oh, oh, oh!" (Robert Graves)

[@lindyclark535]

Why are the ads so much louder than the rest of the audio? 😢 it hurts us

[@ChambersWineandTravel]

Time Team alumni

[@kayharker712]

I think it was remarkably similar to being stabbed through the guts with a short sword.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

Best of Badgers!

[@davidtomsett]

Its Matt from TimeTeam

[@herschelmayo2727]

"Hey, you Britons want some pizza?" "Naw, we got toad in the hole." "Ugh, seriously? That's gotta taste awful." "I have a feeling this isn't going to go well."

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Poor Alice, she sounds so poorly, really miserable in parts of this program. Such a trooper. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@johnmurphy3141]

Gee I like that episode just saying!

[@onedaywewill]

Alice you are great. Neck and neck with Lucy Worsley. Both the same age as well.

[@ingridseim1379]

How I wish they introduced us to even the lowly student diggers on the sites like time team did for Bridge, Matt, and even Alice yonks ago...

[@thomasbell7033]

Yes, and we saw Jenni B. go from a lowly undergrad through to Dr. Jenni. Miles Russell turns up in this DFB, another familiar Time Team face.

[@ingridseim1379]

@@thomasbell7033 I love watching the "young'uns" grow up and blossom. I do so wish they would make that part of current documentary series. It can't be terribly expensive can it? 🙏🙏🙏

[@MrMelmott]

I love her accent

[@porkpie2884]

Amaaathinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng

[@lindasue8719]

Really irritating to pay KZbin for no ads, and then the video inserts its own ads..... And extremely loudly! Just about blew out my eardrums. 😠

[@brianhancock3344]

Don't pay them just get a free ad blocker easy to do

[@brianhancock3344]

Try Ad Block Plus

[@ici_coop]

They wouldn’t be eating chicken, as they were used primarily for divination, eggs & feathers. Not until 300 years of Roman influence did the practice of eating your poultry really happen in Britain.

[@GrandmaTDawggsCribb]

2014?

[@dawngriffin3550]

❤

[@C2C19]

I thought the romans only invaded England and wales not the entire British isles?

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

Where is the discussion of "What Was The Roman Invasion Of Britain Actually Like ?"

[@DickiesDisintegratingWan-dt3ek]

I am very deeply in love with Professor Alice, but I fear she is unaware of this.

[@seantice]

🥂🥂

[@stutzbearcat5624]

Badgers? BADGERS? We don't need no stinking badgers!

[@bv3bv334]

Whatever it was like, I demand reparations from the Italians!

[@bengaliinplatforms1268]

Someone tell me if the word diversity is mentioned before I watch

[@jimclarke1108]

🥰

[@weefish12]

So in 43AD the Roman Empire Invaded England then Wales and some parts of Scotland............ Britain was Not Formed until 1st May 1707

[@ilokivi]

There were no English people in Britannia in 43. The first settlers from Jutland, Saxony and Angeln did not arrive until the fifth century after the romans left. What was left were Picts in the north, and celts in the south and west.

[@richardtargett4128]

England came into existance in 936. The Romans invaded Britian, which became the Roman province of Brittania. In 1600 an English person would have been insulted if you called him British, as at that time this meant Welsh or Cornish. In other words the remnants of the population of pre-Saxon Britain.

[@teviottilehurst]

​@richardtargett4128 I know it's only a nine year difference, but I was led to believe that England was formed in 927ad.

[@antonpressing]

Nice movie - BUT the topic was Roman invasion - how many came - how many stayed, where did they build towns ? No - again disease and injured skulls !

[@fkxfkx]

“What difference does it make at this point?” - says Hillary

[@brianhancock3344]

Still didn't say what the roman invasion of Britain was actually like.

[@user-ck3uu8rj3x]

I alway had the feeling that 'invasions ' like the Normans and the Romans were really underwhelming events. Once the self appointment kings and earls had been defeated, the ordinary folks just noticed new neighbours, then new foods, just like in the uk we go " oh, its Diwali next week". Then we go home to curry or enchiladas or pizza. To the ordinary working folk, they were still praying but to gods with a different name and still paying tax but just to a different named self appointed boss.

[@LeeGee]

My wish is that some aspiring archaeological channel will produce a serious and unbiased episode about choosing a metal detector.

[@domenicozagari2443]

THERE IS A ROMAN PICTURE IN BRITAIN OF FRUITS, AMONG THE FRUIT THERE WAS A PINEAPPLE.

[@user-zk1no9pj7x]

Many beautiful statues can show the faces of the ancient Romans. Why do you show the face of a skeleton at the beginning of the video? PS. Professor Alice Roberts is a beautiful woman, she looks like a famous painting of Botticelli.

[@user-rq7el8nh6q]

I am nearly half Welsh. I have served as a paratrooper and SF. I noticed that many of the people i trained with have Welsh last names. R1B s are excellent warriors but individuals

[@paddyodriscoll8648]

Badgers? We don’t need no stinkin’ badgers!

[@ElizaPurest]

😊❤ xXx

[@dennisjones0081]

Alice is freakin hot.

[@BELA32]

She’s gorgeous and a great presenter

[@artiemiss1724]

It's so monotonous without Tony's energy. ☹️

[@othoapproto9603]

What a bunch of amateur actors. Didn't see a single Dr. or PhD. in that cast. Where is the “About” link for this shady channel?

[@TheDanEdwards]

" Didn't see a single Dr. or PhD." - what? Dr. Alice Roberts, in this video, has a Ph.D. and is a professor at Oxford. Maybe if you actually watched the video and paid attention you'd learn something.

[@mark-ek4ve]

Please tell us, you were obviously there at the time.

[@Pitmirk_]

When a skeleton from 1700 is found, it's leave it alone and re-inter it with full dignity. When it's from 500 ad, or 1300 for that matter, archaeologists p*ss around with it. What's the dignity cut-off date between the two.. 1400, 1500?

[@brootham9979]

A bit too serious and old school type presentation. Needs an injection of humour or something!

[@wrenn7473]

go ask a british person or something

[@anthonysteel3232]

Wonderful thank you but why do the roads and streets of the United kingdom smell of wee

[@georgehetty7857]

Perhaps you wouldn’t notice it if you didn’t walk on all 4 ‘s ?

[@deshaley7274]

Thinking man's crumpet....

[@Zardox-The-Heretic-Slayer]

Dr Roberts is still hot as hell

[@gwyngriffiths3669]

Professor Roberts

[@Zardox-The-Heretic-Slayer]

@@gwyngriffiths3669 Professor Roberts is still hot as hell.

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

I do believe they were put up In 4* hotels after the arduous journey from France.

[@rayholmes4402]

… we want reparations from the Italians 😂

[@fireblade2681]

why does every english historian call them the woemans? They were called Romans I think... Apart from Wodewick, he was definitely a woeman 🤣🤣🤣

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

The English are probably the worst speakers of the English language on the planet 😮

[@Crismans843]

What is it about the British and the desecration of their ancestors graves?

[@kelest4215]

I'm sure their long-dead ancestors are past caring, don't stress.

[@Crismans843]

@@kelest4215 Maybe, but I’m not past caring. Most cultures respect and honor their ancestors.

[@lottytaylor572]

The romans wore nicer clothes than these 2 🤣

[@catofthecastle1681]

That’s really deep for an archaeological 48 minute program!

[@michaelschudlak1432]

Our history? Never knew the Alngo Saxons were living in England when the Romans were in britain.

[@stephenking4170]

"Robusticity"? Why not just say in simple language what she means...robustness? These academics just can't help themselves using unnecessarily fancy sounding words to distance themselves from ordinary people, even when it makes them look stupid or pretentious..

[@SMHman666]

Stephen. You shouldn't feel bad that scientific explanations make you feel inadequate. If people aren't sure of a word they can look it up and then guess what, they learn something new.

[@stephenking4170]

@@SMHman666 As a forest ecologist I am familiar with the use of many scientific terms and thousands of botanical names. As a communicator, I do my best to put such terminology aside and use explain in common language to get the message across when talking to a lay audience as this archaeologist was. Using the most understandable language is a hallmark of respect and effective communication. The place for showing off without appearing pretentious is among peers, on the podium or writing a research paper. Even there, there is some effort by many authors to cut down on the unnecessary frills, in the interests of readability by a broader audience. It could be said that being a good communicator trumps being a good know it all.

[@greenerz]

At least when the romans came they brought great advances in technology that benefitted us in some ways unlike the Muslim Invasion happening now that brings back the Stone Age

[@eden7440]

Great comment. Muslims are great if you want to retreat back to the 16th century.

[@gratefulobserver7742]

Pathetic comment. Why bring Muslims into it? 🙄

[@KD400_]

U should study the Islamic golden age. Educate urself

[@greenerz]

@@KD400_ how ridiculous

[@readmycomment3157]

They say the skull was likely male, but it may have been non binary or trans or female with a male skull and body

[@KD400_]

Lol

[@eddiepattisonhogg9917]

good to see Alice ditching her previous persona of the strange dyed hair and blokey leather jackets, but Alice, have you gone for the woke awakening in our universities that is poisoning the minds of the vulnerable young.

[@margomoore4527]

I thought the leather jackets were very practical for most seasons in UK, unlike that very lightweight sleeveless dress that she wears (inexplicably) in Scotland.

[@eddiepattisonhogg9917]

@@margomoore4527 It's the poster girl image she is allowing herself to be used to bring in the masses to the archeological table that concerns me, when will we stop using women in this offensive way. She has a nice character and presentation, lets not spoil this with an overt use of that personality simply to please some nut cases at the BBC, that strange animal that persists in corrupting our culture..

[@tutnallman]

What is the point of the male presenter?