Can you dig this?
DIGGING FOR BRITAIN
BBC2, 8pm
YOU might have spotted this series on BBC Four – and the archeology show has now been revamped for a brand-new primetime slot on BBC2 while promising to reveal more thrilling artifacts found underground.
Professor Alice Roberts is our host once again, going behind the scenes of some of the most significant recent digs from up and down the country, and explaining what the finds reveal about our history.
She’s starting with a Roman mosaic in Rutland, which is being hailed as the most important discovery of its kind in more than a century.
The mosaic, which depicts scenes from the Trojan War, was found in a farmer’s wheat field, and became a lockdown project for the family as they were intrigued by what was lurking beneath their land – a good alternative to baking endless loaves of banana bread!
It’s in immaculate condition and holds amazing secrets about Roman life, plus there are human remains to be investigated nearby.
Meanwhile, in the Lincolnshire fens the archeologists are excited to excavate what they believe is a 17th century Anglo Saxon dwelling belonging to a devout hermit, Guthlac, one of Britain’s earliest saints, who lived a sparse life to impress God.
There are more Anglo Saxon discoveries over in Kent, where Alice explores graves filled with jewellery and ancient weapons, which are analysed and reveal fascinating details.
Finally, it’s over to North Norfolk where the team sample ale made to a newly discovered Anglo-Saxon recipe found at a huge former malting site. Cheers!