The origins of human language have always been mysterious. There have been lots of ideas, but very little evidence, and the arguments within the anthropology, sociology and linguistics worlds have been furious. So far there’s been little use of archaeological evidence, but a new book has drawn us into the debate too. In The Revolutionary Origins of Language, UCL anthropologists Chris Knight and Jerome Lewis argue that language didn’t emerge simply because our brains got bigger or our ancestors developed better voices. Instead, they suggest, it grew out of something much more social: cooperation, trust, ritual and the power of people to stand together. So how does archaeology provide evidence for ritual, social co-operation and therefore language? In this podcast Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to the book’s authors to find out.

The Revolutionary Origins of Language is available to buy now in the Time Team shop. You can find it at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/collections/books/products/the-revolutionary-origins-of-language-chris-knight-jerome-lewis

For more from Time Team, including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast, Dig Watch updates from excavations, 3D models and so much more, consider becoming a Time Team member. Your support allows us to carry out archaeology up and down the country and continue to make episodes of the programmes. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams reminisce about their time at Sutton Hoo as we publish our films about Time Team's 2025 season of digging at the Anglo-Saxon burial site. Angus Wainwright from the National Trust gives you an idea of what you can expect from upcoming episodes.
You'll also meet Tim Fletcher from Geoscope. He's the lead archaeologist on a project that's been sifting through peat in West Yorkshire in an attempt to discover the final resting place of 22-year-old Cpl Clarence Watson. His body was never recovered after the American B24H bomber he was in crashed on Twizle Head Moss near Holmfirth in 1942.
Helen's particularly excited to introduce you to Tasha Fullbrook, a PhD researcher at The University of Reading. She's been working on a unique category of Roman coins and her work could change our understanding of how the Romans used money.
There's also an interview with Time Team's creator, Tim Taylor MBE. He explains how the Dig Village book helps village communities uncover their own archaeology. The book's now available to buy in the Time Team Shop at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/.

Becoming a Time Team member is a great way to support the archaeology we do up and down the country. You'll also get access to ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast, as well as 3D models, masterclasses and episodes of Dig Watch which take you to the very heart of a trench as an excavation is unfolding. To find out more visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial and get your first 7 days free.

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams host a special live edition of the Time Team podcast from Southside Arts Centre in Lincoln where Time Team has been carrying out a three day dig.
People in the audience are invited to put their questions to Prof. Carenza Lewis, Dr Samantha Tipper, Matt Williams and Helen as they learn more about the archaeological dig happening just a stone's throw away.
Geophysics whizz Jimmy Adcock and osteoarchaeologist Jackie McKinley are also on hand to offer their expertise.

Time Team members received discounted entry to the event, which was recorded at the end of day two of the three-day dig. Members also get access to loads more from Time Team including Dig Watch episodes which take you to the heart of the excavation. We're so grateful for the supports are members give us. You can join our archaeology community by visiting patreon.com/timeteamofficial.

Next week the podcast will be learning more about Sutton Hoo. After a month of digging in the summer of 2025 the films are finally out on YouTube and ad-free on Patreon.