Ancient and ArchaeologyÌý permalink
Is it me......
This discussion has been closed.
-
Message 1.Ìý
Posted by koomartherammie (U2070074) on Sunday, 26th March 2006
or are Time Team clutching at ever shortening straws in the quest for new dig sites?I personally think this series has been awful,lacking in finds and explanations for sites visited.Surely they can do better than this.Or are the good sites being denied due to the "all in just three days"bit?
-
Message 2
Posted by snowjokeatall (U2055291) on Monday, 27th March 2006
I saw Tony Robinson on Friday.
The new series is well underway and there should be at least another one after that.
He did say they had just finshed shootin and episode ( last week) and the found " b all".
He did also say to look out for the live dig. 4 days . Apparantly in a place he has always wanted to go, but he wouldn't say where it was.
I think that they are not clutching. Just some digs turn up finds a plenty and other do not. -
Message 3
Posted by maraudingsaxon (U3567176) on Monday, 27th March 2006
I think Time Team in a way has become a victim of its own success. The programme has made some remarkable finds in the last few years that we have come to expect success everytime. And archaeology does not guarantee success. Last nights programme highlighted that point. They went looking in part for a Saxon royal palace but instead found a medieval manor house. Time Team's investigations showed there was no Saxon royal palace to be found in the area.
It is not the programme that is at fault, but us the viewer who expect so much more from it. -
Message 4
Posted by Grumpyjaywit (U2986749) on Monday, 27th March 2006
What annoys me about Time Team is the way they go back to the same counties over and over again. I have watched every programme and I think I am correct that they have never been to my county Nottinghamshire. I can only remember one visit to Derbyshire. I am sure I don't live in an archaeological desert but every season you can guarantee the Cotswolds, Kent etc etc. On top of that they sometimes don't appear to do any in depth research before hand or they would have found the site of the medieval manor house. I do sometimes wonder how they pick the sites
-
Message 5
Posted by Mr Pedant (U2464726) on Monday, 27th March 2006
And at the end they always manage to get a lovely sunny evening to have a few drinks in a pub garden somewhere.
Just what you need when you're watching it on dreary winters day. -
Message 6
Posted by maraudingsaxon (U3567176) on Monday, 27th March 2006
There is a lot of research done for the programmes. Local archaeologists and viewers write in with suggestions. Then a team will visit the place suggested and see if there is much there. Carry out basic geophysical work and historical research. Look at last nights programme. It was well known that Edward the Confessor was born in the village there was documentation to back that up. But there was no way of knowing what type of building he was born in. The hope was a royal palace. The time team crew were mainly chasing post holes, as that would probably be all that remained from this period. Its not Time Team's fault there was no royal palace in the end, that is the nature of archaeology.
There does seem to be a southern bais to the programme. Write in to them, suggest places to visit in Nottinghamshire. I think you are right certain counties don't appear on the show.
Seeing them all drinking outside under warm blue skies when I'm freezing in the depths of winter that is annoying. -
Message 7
Posted by koomartherammie (U2070074) on Monday, 27th March 2006
I too have watched every episode since the very first show.In the past there was never a bad show and i used to say it's about time they found nowt!But now they find nowt most of the time.While i accept this is part and parcel of archaeology,when it happens all the time it is frustrating.And i know if i miss one it will bw the best so far!Maybe they should start to look at longer digs to maximise finds and understanding of sites.This can still be condensed into smaller programmes.And why dig in villages that have seen so much disturbance anyway?And the action always seems to take off at 3:30 on the final day.And they still seem to cook up some explanation for what was happening there x number of years ago.
I live in Derbyshire and only know of the Carsington cave dig from our historically rich county.Can't remember any from Notts.
And finally,why dig industrial sites only 1-200 years old when the documentation tells us what they are digging to find out?Waste of time in my opinion. -
Message 8
Posted by fairlace (U2945279) on Tuesday, 28th March 2006
What annoys me about Time Team is the way they go back to the same counties over and over again. I have watched every programme and I think I am correct that they have never been to my county Nottinghamshire. I can only remember one visit to Derbyshire. I am sure I don't live in an archaeological desert but every season you can guarantee the Cotswolds, Kent etc etc. On top of that they sometimes don't appear to do any in depth research before hand or they would have found the site of the medieval manor house. I do sometimes wonder how they pick the sitesÌý
They did do one from Orkney a while back which was about as far north as you get, not counting Shetland. I also wonder how they choose sites. -
Message 9
Posted by stalteriisok (U3212540) on Tuesday, 28th March 2006
And finally,why dig industrial sites only 1-200 years old when the documentation tells us what they are digging to find out?Waste of time in my opinion.
Ìý
Agreed - and some times actually have prints and photos of the sites !!
why waste time team on a WWII bomber ?? -
Message 10
Posted by fascinating (U1944795) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006
I agree that many programs now go to sites where there is precious little evidence that there is anything there to find. I am sure there are many places in the country that need archaeological investigation, but it has to be done properly. I know of a site at the west end of Hadrian's wall, where traces of a street and houses of an ancient village are visible in a field, but those responsible will not let Time Team at it, presumably because they want a thorough investigation, not some fly-by-night operation.
When you see how many things are being found by the metal-detector fraternity now, you would imagine that there are ample sites to visit and excavate.
I suggest a change of format for Time Team. Let them choose sites where there have already been substantial finds (eg from metal detectors), so that they know there is likely to be something there.
The digs should last at least 5 days. Presumably that would mean less programs in a series, but I would rather see 6 good digs rather than 2 good ones and about 8 where almost nothing is found.
I also want there to be more Roman sites investigated. First, because that is what I am most interested in (!), but also because these are almost invariably the ones where substantial amounts of finds are turned up. -
Message 11
Posted by fascinating (U1944795) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006
Forgot to add - I LIKE seeing people drinking in a pub on a summer's day, especially when it is shown in winter.
You guys must hate looking at travel brochures in the winter, glaring angrily at pictures of people enjoying themselves in bright sunshine. Lighten up! -
Message 12
Posted by Stoggler (U1647829) ** on Wednesday, 29th March 2006
Does anyone remember the hoax Anglo-Saxon dig from a couple of years ago when they found a great Anglo-Saxon sword ON-TOP of some barbed-wire...? Now that was a good episode, even if someone had set it all up (I think they gave the impression it was the farm owner who was responsible!).
-
Message 13
Posted by Mr Pedant (U2464726) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006
Forgot to add - I LIKE seeing people drinking in a pub on a summer's day, especially when it is shown in winter.
You guys must hate looking at travel brochures in the winter, glaring angrily at pictures of people enjoying themselves in bright sunshine. Lighten up!Ìý
Don't talk to me about travel brochures !
-
Message 14
Posted by koomartherammie (U2070074) on Wednesday, 29th March 2006
Remember it well.It was a Le Tene iron age sword probably from Switzeland.And the victoria pottery sherd found beneath a neolithic standing stone.Victorians got everywhere. Does anyone remember the hoax Anglo-Saxon dig from a couple of years ago when they found a great Anglo-Saxon sword ON-TOP of some barbed-wire...? Now that was a good episode, even if someone had set it all up (I think they gave the impression it was the farm owner who was responsible!).Ìý
-
Message 15
Posted by Helm_nufc (U3371194) on Thursday, 30th March 2006
I think alot of people miss the point with time team!!
End of the day it gets the general public interested in archaeology!
I’m a third yr practical archaeology student at Winchester uni, I would’nt be where I am now if I hadn’t started watching time team with my parents when I was a kid!! I have this, time team do you don’t you, argument all the time with my fellow students it seems you either hate it or love it!
If they need new interesting new sites to dig, I’ve been working on a piece of land for my Dissertation Geophysics fieldwalking etc!!! It looks like it might be a multi-period site dating from as early as the neolithic to as late as the 1500s!!! I’d love it if they came and excavated! Ive got a possible Roman Villa and a Barrow cemetery in the area, they’d love it!!
Time Team where are you??? -
Message 16
Posted by Helm_nufc (U3371194) on Thursday, 30th March 2006
Message 6 - posted by maraudingsaxon, 3 Days Ago
"There is a lot of research done for the programmes. Local archaeologists and viewers write in with suggestions. Then a team will visit the place suggested and see if there is much there. Carry out basic geophysical work and historical research. Look at last nights programme. It was well known that Edward the Confessor was born in the village there was documentation to back that up. But there was no way of knowing what type of building he was born in. The hope was a royal palace. The time team crew were mainly chasing post holes, as that would probably be all that remained from this period. Its not Time Team's fault there was no royal palace in the end, that is the nature of archaeology.
There does seem to be a southern bais to the programme. Write in to them, suggest places to visit in Nottinghamshire. I think you are right certain counties don't appear on the show.
Seeing them all drinking outside under warm blue skies when I'm freezing in the depths of winter that is annoying. "
Spot on!!
Although from what ive learnt disscussing theories in a pub with a beer is essential to archaeology
-
Message 17
Posted by maraudingsaxon (U3567176) on Friday, 31st March 2006
Hey, I know archaeology and alcohol is inseperable. But sitting in a cold room in the depths of winter watching people enjoying a pint talking archaeology hey I'm envious, I have a grumble. But good look to them . And no sun filled holiday brochures don't annoy me. Its only turning up at the hotel and finding out its nothing like the picture in the brochure .That pisses me of.
-
Message 18
Posted by andyd:now spends half his time in tescos and i may know where oak is occasionaly (U2384509) on Friday, 31st March 2006
i found i have stopped watching time team altogether due to it just getting boring and spotting mistakes they do which has come from studying archaeology at present as an a level. doe sanyone remeber the first live dig in York where tony robinson went the wrong way to the minster. i live in York and its impossible to do that!!!!
-
Message 19
Posted by Saxonman (U3655307) on Friday, 31st March 2006
Fascinating,Most metal detecting groups and individuals will have nothing to do with Time Team, after all why should they help them just to get "slagged off" by the mad profrssor and Tony Robinson.
If you have watched every series you would note that all the best finds have come from sites discovered by detectorists, The Saxon graves with Buckets in Hampshire to name just one.
If you think this atitude is unreasonable I would draw your attention to the talk Tony gave to the House of Lords group. -
Message 20
Posted by Lt_Henson (U2436367) on Friday, 31st March 2006
I think this may have been partially due to the very heartfelt programme he made for the trouble wioth old people theme. His personal insight into his own life as well as showing the worsening condition for elderly people shows what a kind generous man he is.
God Bless Tony Robinson. -
Message 21
Posted by fairlace (U2945279) on Saturday, 1st April 2006
Fascinating,Most metal detecting groups and individuals will have nothing to do with Time Team, after all why should they help them just to get "slagged off" by the mad profrssor and Tony Robinson.
If you have watched every series you would note that all the best finds have come from sites discovered by detectorists, The Saxon graves with Buckets in Hampshire to name just one.
If you think this atitude is unreasonable I would draw your attention to the talk Tony gave to the House of Lords group.Ìý I was speaking to an archaeologist recently and she said that the reason some don't like metal detectorists is because of the unscrupulous who do not record where they find items. I have no knowledge of m.d. and do not know if this is just a minority being thoughtless or worse? -
Message 22
Posted by andyd:now spends half his time in tescos and i may know where oak is occasionaly (U2384509) on Saturday, 1st April 2006
its a a two sided arguement i believe
-
Message 23
Posted by Grumpyjaywit (U2986749) on Sunday, 2nd April 2006
Well. well, well, another ....up, why on earth did they pick today's site, what did it have going for it? Two pubs close by is all I can think of.
-
Message 24
Posted by koomartherammie (U2070074) on Sunday, 2nd April 2006
Another mid village site with restricted access,limited prospects and inconclusive finds.
-
Message 25
Posted by fascinating (U1944795) on Monday, 3rd April 2006
grumpy and koom, I agree with you both. They go to a site that was identified and excavated 40 years ago. The finds had been extracted and placed in dozens of boxes. And when TT reopened the same trenches, they were amazed they had no finds other than the walls! THAT WAS BECAUSE THE ITEMS HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN OUT AND PLACED IN BOXES.
I am fast becoming convinced that there is nothing in Britain left to excavate, and that all archaeologists should be made redundant. -
Message 26
Posted by maraudingsaxon (U3567176) on Monday, 3rd April 2006
Yes it was Time Team's fault that previous archaeologists found a few walls and jumped to the conclusion there must be a bath house there. And then whoever excavated the area took most of the datable evidence with them.
These people didn't bother to think about the surrounding landscape and its context within the roman landscape at the time.Its easy to blame the messenger for the message. -
Message 27
Posted by koomartherammie (U2070074) on Sunday, 16th April 2006
Well the first episode was the best.The last episode was the second best.All in between were below par.I must say that the highlight of this series has been looking at Brigids' top half when the sun came out!!!
-
Message 28
Posted by an ex-nordmann - it has ceased to exist (U3472955) ** on Sunday, 16th April 2006
The problem with Time Team will always remain the conceit of the 3-day dig. Archaeology is often conducted under time constraints (builders waiting to move in etc), but to voluntarily impose a time limitation, and so short a one at that, actually shows something bordering on lunacy in a discipline where it can take over three days to excavate one artefact - let alone an entire site.
TT has done much that is commendable in raising the profile of archaeology and showing its relevance. But as a vehicle for enlightening the general public as to how the skill is applied and what exactly constitutes a 'reward' to an archeologist it often shoots itself in the foot - and nearly always because of the silly time limitation that turns the activity into a race.
I would prefer that the programme 'mature', now that it has created a large and durable audience, and begin to explore in greater depth those other features of archaeology that are just as fascinating as any contrived race against time - the research, the methodology of the dig and the interpretation of the results. There is also no harm whatever in returning to previous digs more often and showing what has developed or has been uncovered by other archaeologists in the meantime. -
Message 29
Posted by andyd:now spends half his time in tescos and i may know where oak is occasionaly (U2384509) on Tuesday, 18th April 2006
I would prefer that the programme 'mature', now that it has created a large and durable audience, and begin to explore in greater depth those other features of archaeology that are just as fascinating as any contrived race against time - the research, the methodology of the dig and the interpretation of the results. There is also no harm whatever in returning to previous digs more often and showing what has developed or has been uncovered by other archaeologists in the meantime.Ìý
I agree with this as i would prefer Time Team to focus on other areas of archaeology and show its wider focus instead of only the excavation side aswell as returning to past digs for example the live digs and show what has been found out by the research of the artefacts they recovered and how this has been achieved -
Message 30
Posted by MB (U177470) on Thursday, 20th April 2006
What annoys me about Time Team is the way they go back to the same counties over and over again. I have watched every programme and I think I am correct that they have never been to my county Nottinghamshire. I can only remember one visit to Derbyshire. I am sure I don't live in an archaeological desert but every season you can guarantee the Cotswolds, Kent etc etc. On top of that they sometimes don't appear to do any in depth research before hand or they would have found the site of the medieval manor house. I do sometimes wonder how they pick the sitesÌý
They did do one from Orkney a while back which was about as far north as you get, not counting Shetland. I also wonder how they choose sites.Ìý
It might depend on where there are local Archaeological Societies or other organisations who pass on suggestions to them and perhaps do some ground work before the programme.
MB
About this Board
The History message boards are now closed. They remain visible as a matter of record but the opportunity to add new comments or open new threads is no longer available. Thank you all for your valued contributions over many years.
or Ìýto take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
The message board is closed for posting.
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Search this Board
Â鶹ԼÅÄ iD
Â鶹ԼÅÄ navigation
Â鶹ԼÅÄ links
Â鶹ԼÅÄ Â© 2014 The Â鶹ԼÅÄ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.