Latest news with #Roman-themed
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Roman gladiators, soldiers and catwalk at 175th birthday bash
A museum is throwing a birthday bash in true Roman style. The National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon, near Newport, will celebrate its 175th anniversary with a free Roman-themed party on Saturday, August 2, running from 10am to 5pm. Dai Price, head of the museum, said: "We're really looking forward to celebrating our 175th birthday in proper Roman style, and we'd love visitors far and wide to celebrate with us. "As well as our party on Saturday, August 2, we'll be continuing the celebrations with a programme of activities throughout the summer holidays and during the rest of the year." The day will feature gladiators, Roman soldiers, and re-enactments by the Ermine Street Guard. Visitors can also enjoy cookery demonstrations, Roman traders, crafts, games, mosaic making, a dig pit, and children's entertainment. Tours and talks will take place throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to dress in Roman costumes and take part in a themed catwalk. The event will take place at the museum, the amphitheatre, and nearby St Cadoc's Church.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
'Mysterious' Roman artefact to go on show in Nottingham
A rare "mysterious" Gallo-Roman dodecahedron discovered by an amateur archaeological team has gone on display in 12-sided hollow object will be on show at the University of Nottingham Museum at Lakeside Arts from Friday until 18 January museum said the item was one of archaeology's enigmas as its purpose remains unknown and there are no references in Roman texts or depictions of artefact - which stands about 8cm tall and weighs 245g - was found in the Potter Hill area of Norton Disney, Lincolnshire, in June 2023. The Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group began excavating at a Roman site in the village close to a Roman villa and the Fosse Way Roman road in museum said the excavation was coming to an end when the team discovered the "rare and very fine example" of a Gallo-Roman said while most other examples have been found damaged, or as fragments, the Norton Disney dodecahedron was complete and in "remarkable condition".Richard Parker, secretary of the archaeology group, said: "We thought we were very much on a fairly routine Roman site, finding lots of Roman masonry, huge amount of Roman pottery and then on the second to last day, we made this really spectacular and unusual discovery of a Gallo-Roman dodecahedron."It was found unusually in a Roman quarry pit with lots of other materials, such as pottery and bone and nails."That tells us a little bit about the dating of it and gives us a clue about why that dodecahedron was found there."Mr Parker said it is the only one to be discovered in the Midlands of the 33 identified in Britain. In January 2024, the find featured in an episode of Digging for Britain, with presenter Prof Alice Roberts saying: "It has to be one of the greatest, most mysterious, archaeological objects I've ever had the opportunity to look at up close."Mr Parker said after this the discovery got worldwide attention."The curiosity is that people have been finding them for 300 years and nobody has any idea what they are," he said."It's so unusual, so odd in appearance, and just makes absolutely no sense."There's still a great mystery within archaeology," he added.A total of 130 dodecahedra that have been found have come from the area known to the Romans as Gaul. This included modern France and Belgium, as well as parts of the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The museum said the discovery prompts further questions about Norton Disney's importance in Roman artefact is part of a free Norton Disney dodecahedron exhibition, which looks back at the last two years of excavations at the Roman site, and delves into the current understanding of the mysterious dodecahedron. Mr Parker added the exhibition will also "illustrate the circumstances" of how the dodecahedron was found and the history of the Saturday, the museum will be celebrating the opening of the exhibition by being part of the free Roman-themed, Festival of Archaeology event.
Leader Live
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Family fun as Chester Racecourse hosts 'Roman Day'
Yesterday (May 31), Roman Day featured horseracing and plenty of exciting other activities for youngsters, as well as appearances from special guest Zog, the dragon from children's author Julia Donaldson's books. Above, you can enjoy a selection of photos taken at the event. The line-up at Roman Day, which was free for those aged 17 and younger, also included Roman stunt shows, archery, bootcamp challenges, inflatable slides and a bungee run. There were birds of prey, a pop-up play village, and craft camp, as well as a heritage festival, camp curiosity, racing to school, and performances from arts organisation and charity foundation, AmaSing. Chester Racecourse said: "What a day! "From non-stop fun on the Open Course, meeting our equine ambassador Dieu Vivant, to thrilling racing and all the fantastic Roman-themed excitement — it's been a great day on the Roodee! "Thank you to everyone who joined us for Roman Day. "We can't wait to welcome you back soon for our next fixtures: The White Oak UK Friday Social and The Saturday Social on June 13 and 14." Winners at yesterday's races, held from 1.35pm to 5.35pm, were Noche Clasica, Myal, Tricky Tel, State Legend, Dream Harder, Sea Emily Run, War Hawk, and Topteam. The event followed a record-breaking Boodles May Festival, which saw attendance figures up by 11 per cent on last year.
