The Past Beneath Us

It is said that before the colonialists arrived in Singapore, there was a prosperous 700-year-old settlement here. Is it just a legend? Now, a team of archaeologists are separating fact from fiction.

The lack of artefacts from 14th century Temasek to 19th century Singapore was once considered the black hole in local archaeology. New discoveries assist with filling the gap about colonial Singapore. About the show: Archaeology is not only the study of the past, but also of the future. Two hundred years on from Raffles' landing, a team of archaeologists are digging deep to unearth new artefacts that will reshape what we think we know about Singapore. The bicentennial commemoration has given them rare access to historical sites. From uncovering evidence of an ancient 14th century settlement at Fort Canning, to discovering forgotten relics of life in colonial Singapore at the Padang, and exploring forsaken ruins of World War 2, they are looking at Singapore with a long view, and adding to the national narrative for future generations. In this series, we go into the field with these archaeologists - looking to the land and the seas in search of the chapters of history buried underwater,

Buried beneath modern Singapore are physical scars from the battlefields of WW2 - corroded bullets, cartridges and personal artefacts that tell us about the fall of Singapore.