In the historic city of York, Time Team simultaneously excavated three separate sites containing archaeology from three distinct periods – all under the eagle eyes of ‘live’ television cameras. York was chosen because of the prolific remains of the Roman, Viking and medieval periods that lie beneath its buildings and streets. Time Team’s task was to discover even more about the people who, in the first millennium, shaped the lives of those living in the second.
‘The extraordinary thing about York,’ said Tony Robinson, ‘is that it’s like an enormous trifle – wherever you dig, you discover amazing layers of history. You can find the jelly of the Vikings, the sponge of the Middle Ages and the maraschino cherry of the Romans!’
Time Team’s three regular experts – archaeologists Mick Aston, Phil Harding and Carenza Lewis – oversaw one site each, supported by a small army of specialised archaeologists, geophysicists, historians, graphics experts and diggers. Meanwhile, Tony, with the help of guest presenters Sandy Toksvig and Paul Thompson, moved between all three digs, asking questions on behalf of viewers.
‘It’s by far the largest show we have ever staged,’ said Tony. ‘We have a team of around 150 people and 12 cameras, and we will be transmitting live broadcasts in a city that will be teeming with tourists.’
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Tags: Archaeology, England, Vikings
