NeoFreeZone

Entering a period in history where technology is running ahead of social development, Archaeology finds itself unprepared for the challenges of a new generation demanding more engaging and understandable ways of communicating the knowledge of the past. Communication that would capture the attention of viewers from diverse backgrounds, educate and enrich their cultural perspectives and at the same time make the process enjoyable. Channel 4’s Time Team program seems to solve most of the persisting issues in the relationship between Archaeology represented by the scientific community and the state, and non-professionals who have genuine interest in history and Archaeology. As we will see, the benefits of boosting the relationship between Archaeology and people via TV and Internet are enormous for both parties.

Archaeology enters people’s homes. It is a no longer a distant science only practiced by a limited number of academics, discussed only in conferences, universities and state institutions. Time Team removes the complicated vocabulary and reminds the viewers that the past is part of their present, it’s literally next door. It suggests to the people watching that Archaeology is one of many social sciences which purpose is to explain the past experience of people like themselves. If a social science cannot be communicated and understood by the majority of society what is the point of developing it? Moreover, if citizens can’t benefit from this knowledge what is the point of funding it? When people become more familiar and feel that they are taking advantage of shared archaeological knowledge they will be more supportive and likely to approve when funding is needed. It turns out that after all Archaeology needs society’s support.

Of course this is not one player’s game. Watching Time Team is incredibly rewarding. It develops “an informed imagination”, something progress requires from society. It makes people reflect more on their own lives by comparing the present with the past. This encourages self-realisation but also brings communities together. A perfect example of this is the United Kingdom, a country with very diverse population and enormous emigrant community. It gives people a sense of shared identity on the bases of common heritage and its understanding.

What Time Team managed to accomplish is a compact but thorough presentation of a very complicated process of excavation, research and investigation all happening in the form of a dialogue. Communicating information via conversation proves to be much more engaging and attention driving than any other form of presentation. This is of course accompanied with a wide range of visual and tactical interpretation techniques. For example 3D graphics, geo physical diagrams, illustrations, even reconstructing a wooden Druid statue (Series 14 / Episode 4). It’s a very modern and efficient approach especially when trying to engage a technologically advanced society and works even more spectacular in a technologically disabled population.

Another interesting addition to the overall understanding of the process unfolding past events is the great number of diverse specialists involved: geo physicists, landscape investigators, historians, metal detectorists, finds specialists, kiln builders and so on. It introduces the viewer to an unexpected range of occupations and surely this inspires many young explorers. Often in the episodes the local school children are encouraged to observe and support Time Team’s work. This develops practical knowledge, enthusiastic involvement which will most likely transform into creativity and interest in learning about society by reflecting on the past.

It is a program that I find to be not strictly constrained to Archaeology but encompassing a wide range of sciences like geography, history, anthropology which adds up to the overall educational value.

What’s even more surprising, Time Team seems to successfully avoid the usual ethical issues that accompany Archeology. For example, dig permissions, identity issues, interpretation of the past and heritage ownership. All these are somehow excluded from the program. In E4/Series 14 there was a discussion on the druid’s identity and how much of the history and traditions should be sourced from contemporary representatives of the group. It was again in a friendly dialogue with no unnecessary tension, just freedom of expressing informed opinions. This approach provides a very mature and conflict free perspective on ethical issues.

The team has definitely advanced and improved the perception of Archaeology. As a media, not confined with state policies and other interests influencing archaeological institutions, Time Team shares the knowledge in an interesting and understandable for all manner.

Another thing is the advantage of being open to comments and scrutiny from the public. If anyone disagrees with something presented on the program he could always write or phone in and express his opinion. The media (TV & Internet) does provide this feedback opportunity wheres museums I find more conservative and difficult to approach.

Watching the episodes I often think how amazing would be if the crew could excavate all over the world.

To confirm the beneficial contribution of Channel 4’s Time Team I would like to summaries the advantages brought not only to Archaeology but also society. The program provides a contemporary style of introducing something that has been considered a boring, elitist part of science in a accessible and engaging form. The program does not waste time in resolving meaningless ownership disputes or “ethical“, ego driven issues. Instead it focuses on the main goal, the dig, and simply gets it done in a way that passively involves people from diverse backgrounds who at the same time gain a sense of shared heritage. It is educational, inspiring, develops creativity and stimulates reflection on relevant for people’s well being topics. In short Time Team re-connects the missing link between Archaeology and the public.