Fresh Dig Planned After Mystery Discovery at Ancient Site
By Science Correspondent
Time Team is heading back to one of Britain's most important archaeological sites after a mysterious underground feature was discovered beneath the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney.
The new excavation follows the discovery of a large circular anomaly during ground-penetrating radar surveys carried out after the site's final excavation season last year.
Archaeologists are still unsure exactly what lies beneath the surface, but the find has prompted a fresh investigation involving Time Team and the Ness of Brodgar team.
Dr John Gater, Time Team's geophysics expert, said the discovery came as a surprise.
"The survey revealed something none of us were expecting," he said.
"At this stage we simply don't know what the feature represents. It could be archaeology from a different period, perhaps even a Bronze Age burial cairn. That's exactly why we're going back to investigate."
The Ness of Brodgar is regarded as one of Europe's most important Neolithic sites.
Excavations over the past two decades have uncovered monumental stone buildings, decorated artefacts and evidence of a thriving community dating back more than 5,000 years.
Time Team creator and executive producer Tim Taylor said new technology was continuing to reveal fresh questions, even after years of excavation.
"One of the most exciting things about archaeology is that it never really ends," he said. "The possibility that there's still another chapter waiting to be uncovered is incredibly exciting."
The latest dig is taking place throughout July and marks another chapter in Time Team's long connection with Orkney.
Geophysical surveys carried out by Dr Gater more than 20 years ago helped identify the archaeology that would later make the Ness of Brodgar internationally famous.
Sir Tony Robinson has also returned to Orkney to film the excavation.
Good News Post
The discovery features in a new Time Team documentary, which follows the final weeks of excavation before the site was backfilled and reveals the survey that uncovered the mysterious underground feature.
The programme receives its public premiere on YouTube on 18 July.
