Dig Hill 80: Help Me Fund Excavation of a WW1 German Fortification!

Published on December 6, 2017
Duration: 6:09

This video discusses the 'Dig Hill 80' project, a crowdfunding initiative to finance an archaeological excavation of a well-preserved World War I German strongpoint near Ypres, Belgium. The site, held by the Germans from 1914 to 1917, was largely undisturbed after the war, making it a significant archaeological find. The project aims to raise $150,000 for a comprehensive excavation in 2018, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. The speaker, a contributor to the Kickstarter, highlights the importance of preserving this German historical site, which is less commonly excavated than Allied positions in the region.

Quick Summary

The Dig Hill 80 project aims to fund the archaeological excavation of a well-preserved World War I German fortification near Ypres, Belgium. Held by German forces from 1914-1917, the site remained largely undisturbed post-war, offering significant historical insights. The crowdfunding goal is $150,000 for a comprehensive dig in 2018.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Dig Hill 80
  2. 00:31Project Overview
  3. 00:41Location and History of Hill 80
  4. 01:14German Occupation and Fortification
  5. 01:37Post-War Preservation
  6. 02:08Discovery in 2015
  7. 02:39Archaeological Findings
  8. 03:09Legal Requirements and Development Conflict
  9. 03:39Crowdfunding Initiative
  10. 04:09Funding Goal and Timeline
  11. 04:35Significance of the Site
  12. 05:27Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dig Hill 80 project?

The Dig Hill 80 project is a crowdfunding initiative aimed at financing a comprehensive archaeological excavation of a significant World War I German fortification located near Ypres, Belgium. The site is notable for its excellent preservation due to being largely undisturbed since the war's end.

Where is Hill 80 located and why is it historically important?

Hill 80 is situated just south of Ypres, near the Belgian village of Vite SATA (renamed White Sheet by British troops). It served as a German observation and entrenched strongpoint, captured in 1914 and held for three years, making it a key fortified position during the intense fighting in Flanders.

What makes the Hill 80 site archaeologically significant?

The site's significance lies in its remarkable state of preservation. Unlike many trench systems that were hastily dug and abandoned, Hill 80 was continuously occupied and fortified for three years and subsequently left undisturbed, offering a unique glimpse into German WWI defenses.

What is the goal of the Dig Hill 80 crowdfunding campaign?

The project aims to raise approximately $150,000 to conduct a full-scale archaeological excavation of Hill 80. This funding will allow for a thorough investigation of the site, which is crucial for preserving its historical integrity before potential development.

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