Stories from the Dark Earth: Meet the Ancestors Revisited

Archaeologist Julian Richards returns to some of his most important digs to discover how science, conservation and new finds have changed our understanding of entire eras of ancient history. Pagans of Roman Britain: 1/4 Julian Richards goes back to the excavation of two burials from Roman Britain. This area was a bustling center of trade and culture during the Roman Empire, and it is believed that these burials were made by people who worshipped pagan deities. The findings from this dig will help us better understand the beliefs and practices of people living in this region during the time of the Roman occupation. Families of the Stone Age: 2/4 Archaeologist Julian Richards returns to the excavation of two burials from the Stone Age. The Stone Age is often thought of as a time when humans first developed agriculture and began to live in permanent settlements. These burials may have belonged to families who lived in one of the earliest Stone Age villages or communities. By studying their grave goods and burial practices, we can learn more about the social structure and material culture of early humans. Sacred Women of the Iron Age: 3/4 Julian Richards returns to the excavation of two very different Iron Age women. The Iron Age is a period of significant cultural and political change in Europe, marked by the rise of kingdoms and the development of new technologies. These women's burials may have been associated with religious ceremonies or rituals. By analyzing their jewelry and other grave goods, we can gain insights into the beliefs and values of these women, as well as the role they played in their communities. The First Anglo-Saxons: 4/4 Julian Richards returns to the excavation of two early Anglo-Saxon cemeteries. The Anglo-Saxons were a Germanic tribe that invaded England in the 5th century AD, bringing with them their own customs and traditions. These early Anglo-Saxon cemeteries may have been used for burials of individuals who died before the arrival of the Vikings, or perhaps as communal burial sites for their community. By studying the grave goods and burial practices, we can better understand the social hierarchy and cultural identity of these early Anglo-Saxon settlers.