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The Voices Who Dug Up The Past

The Voices Who Dug Up The Past: Episode 2

Episode 2

BBC Radio 4 - The Voices Who Dug Up The Past, Episode 2

Archaeologist Mike visits the Anglo-Saxon burial ground of Sutton Hoo.

Mike Pitts explores the work of archaeologists and the processes by which they can arrive at different conclusions, visiting the Anglo-Saxon burial ground of Sutton Hoo.

Broadcaster and archaeologist Mike Pitts delves into the question of why different archaeologists can dig the same sites yet reach completely different conclusions. 

Mike visits the Anglo-Saxon burial ground of Sutton Hoo. Through archive, diary excerpts and interviews, he delves into two huge digs that took place there in the 1930s and 2000s.  What is the site actually about? More importantly, who is buried there? He meets an archaeologist who disputes the claim that it is the final resting place of Raedweld, an idea that's thrown the cat among the archaeological pigeons. Mike also hears from a range of archaeologists who ponder the bigger questions of how much of archaeology is imagination, how much is agreed on, and is a failure to agree a failing in archaeology? 

Featuring interviews with Martin Carver, Mike Parker Pearson and Lady Clarke.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Mike Pitts explores how archaeologists can reach different conclusions about the same site

Broadcaster and archaeologist Mike Pitts delves into the question of why different archaeologists can dig the same sites yet reach completely different conclusions

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