Silbury Hill
Prehistoric artificial mound near Avebury, Wiltshire; in Life on Air the subject of BBC2’s televised excavation.
At a glance
| Source | Author | Role | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life on Air | David Attenborough | subject | The subject of BBC2’s televised excavation. |
Life on Air — David Attenborough (2002)
Source: Original · Readwise highlight
We would try to solve one of the enduring problems of British archaeology - the function and origin of Sil bury Hill, the immense cone-shaped mound standing alongside the A4 road in Wiltshire.
- Role: subject
- In the book: BBC2 funds and broadcasts a multi-year excavation by Richard Atkinson, who tunnels to the centre. Outside Broadcast units sit by the A4. Atkinson finds a layered structure of coloured earths, dates it to 2500 BC, and finds no golden horseman.
- Why it matters: The subject of BBC2’s pioneering televised dig; the hill’s mystery drives the passage.