This documentary contains the first-hand excitement of scientific discovery, whilst providing a unique personal insight into how tough life was for the impoverished in 19th century colonial Australia. Assisted by a team of forensic anthropologists, the archaeologists reconstruct the lives of the people they find to tell stories of the horrors of life and death in Australia's colonial days. Uncovering evidence of a death by hanging, horrible injuries and terrible diseases, it becomes clear that life was far worse than they had imagined. Through historical reenactments, tragic and fascinating Australian stories forgotten by history are brought to life.