As we edge closer to the commencement of this year’s excavation season at Vindolanda, a line of wheelbarrows stands ready and waiting on the vibrant green fields of the site. Scheduled to begin on Monday, April 8th, these essential tools of the archaeological trade are a testament to the preparation and anticipation that precedes any dig.
The image captured of the wheelbarrows, arrayed neatly against the historical backdrop of Vindolanda, symbolizes the calm before the storm of activity that will soon envelop the area. These wheelbarrows, painted in bright blue and green, will become the unsung heroes of the excavation, tirelessly carting soil, stones, and unearthed artifacts as the volunteers and archaeologists work to uncover the secrets held within the ancient Roman fort.
Meanwhile, at Roman Magna, the sister site to Vindolanda, the excavation season has already commenced despite the challenges posed by recent wet weather. The ground conditions there remain too soggy for public access, emphasizing the often unpredictable nature of outdoor archaeological work. Updates on the progress of the Roman Magna dig are being meticulously recorded in the Dig Diary, available online for enthusiasts and scholars who wish to follow along from afar.
Back at Vindolanda, the team is monitoring the weather and ground conditions closely, hopeful that the site will be accessible and workable when the digs commence. The anticipation among the volunteers is palpable, as each participant looks forward to delving into the layers of history that make Vindolanda a site of global archaeological significance.
For those planning to visit, please keep an eye on updates from the site. We will announce when the conditions improve and public access is feasible, ensuring that everyone who wishes to experience the thrill of an archaeological dig can do so safely.
As the wheelbarrows stand by, ready to assist in the meticulous task of excavation, they remind us of the preparation and dedication that underpins the archaeological process. Vindolanda awaits another season of discovery, and with it, the chance to add yet more pieces to the ever-expanding puzzle of our past.
