Digging for Britain: The Horsemen of Hadrian's Wall

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Prof Alice Roberts follows a year of British archaeology, joining up the results of digs.

A small island with a big history. Professor Alice Roberts reveals the fascinating world hidden beneath our feet, showcasing the latest finds of dedicated archaeologists.

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Digging for Britain: Series 6: Episode 4: The Horsemen of Hadrian's Wall

The Horsemen of Hadrian's Wall

Episode 4

Episode 4: The Horsemen of Hadrian's Wall

Series 6

BBC Two - Digging for Britain, Series 6, The Horsemen of Hadrian's Wall

Professor Alice Roberts reveals the forgotten story of the Roman cavalry.

Alice Roberts reveals the story of the Roman cavalry. As she sets off across Hadrian's Wall on their trail, re-enactors recreate a cavalry tournament.

In this special, Professor Alice Roberts reveals the forgotten story of the Roman Army's secret weapon in Britain - their cavalry. These fearsome horsemen were the key to defending Britain's most famous Roman monument fortification, Hadrian's Wall.

Alice sets off across Hadrian's Wall to investigate any evidence the Roman cavalry left behind, while a team of archaeologists and historical re-enactors attempt to restage a Roman cavalry tournament - a spectacle that no-one has seen for over 1,600 years. 

We follow the team's training as they prepare for the performance, and Alice joins them at a public display in Carlisle where 30 riders perform in front of a crowd of spectators. 

To put the cavalry's story in context, the film also explores the latest archaeological digs happening across the UK, each of which is searching for new evidence of the Roman cavalry.

On her journey across Hadrian's Wall, Alice visits some of the most iconic sites associated with the Roman cavalry, including Chester's Roman fort, Vindolanda fort and museum and Hexham Abbey. Along the way she builds a picture of the horsemen's lives here on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Digging for Britain: Series 6

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BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Professor Alice Roberts explores this year's most exciting archaeological finds.

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Episode 4: The Horsemen of Hadrian's Wall

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