The incredibly well preserved WW1 trenches and battlefields of Flanders fields on the Western Front are the focus of this remarkable interview with Simon Verdegem, a battlefield archaeologist for BAAC Vlaanderen, Skylarcs, and Head Archaeologist for Dig Hill 80, an internationally crowdfunded WW1 battlefield archaeology project.

Join Dr. Tom and Luke as they investigate the fascinating and haunting world of World War I archaeology with Simon, an expert in uncovering the stories of soldiers on the Western Front. In this episode, we explore the impact of trench warfare on the combatants, the emotional toll of excavating battlefields and their dead, and the remarkable discoveries that shed light on the daily lives of soldiers. Simon shares his insights on trench construction and its evolution and the incredible preservation of archaeological finds, from the trenches, tunnels and bunkers that look little changed since 1918, to the harrowing remains of a soldier’s cuddly toy.

We also discuss the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO), the vital but traumatic journey of identifying fallen soldiers, and the international success of crowdfunding Dig Hill 80, an astonishingly intact battlefield at Wytschaete near Ypres.

#WW1 #FWW #Archaeology #History #WesternFront #FirstWorldWar #WorldWar1

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In this episode, Dr. Tom and Luke dive into the rich history of the Brookside Meadows Roman villa complex! From Bronze Age and Iron Age activity to not one, but two Roman villas and rare evidence for potential early medieval life, Red River Archaeology Group Site Director Francesca Giarelli and Project Manager Louis Stafford uncover the site's evolution and the significance of an area being developed for housing by Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

Explore the intriguing evidence of cult activities at a possible shrine or temple, the wealth of Roman artefacts that includes one of the most remarkable assemblage of painted wall plaster yet discovered in Roman England, and the fascinating challenges of identifying post-Roman activity. Hear about the team's dedication, the project's impact on the local community, and the global interest it has garnered. Join us for a captivating journey through time and archaeology!

#Roman #Romans #archaeology #history

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A sensational early medieval archaeological discovery in northern England! A lost Anglo-Saxon estate centred on textile making and metal-working that, amazingly, also appears to have been used as a campsite for the Viking Great Army as they campaigned in Northumbria and Scotland has been uncovered in Northumberland. Prompted by the finds from responsible metal detectorists who reported their finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a team of archaeologists, supported by community volunteers and metal detectorists, has been unearthing evidence of a remarkable early Anglo-Saxon estate centre with stunningly well preserved evidence for near-industrial levels of fabric weaving and metal-working dating back to the sixth-century AD, a sensationally early find for the region.

What’s more, the Anglo-Saxon estate, which appears to have continued into the Viking Age, is producing tantalising evidence – first noted by metal detectorists – that the site of the estate was used as a camp by a northern section of the infamous Viking Great Heathen Army, a scourge and destroyer of several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and occupier of most of Northumbria.

The site, known as ‘Near Felton,’ is of tremendous importance, not only to our understanding of the early Anglo-Saxon period in the north of England, but also to the dimly understood activities of the Viking Great Army in northern Northumbria and the lands of what is today’s Scotland. Join Tom and Luke as they speak with archaeologists Jane Kershaw, Jane Harrison, Kathryn Murphy, and Lynn Amadio about their work with local volunteers and metal detectorists to unearth a site of international importance.

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