successful Roman army day at Roman circus centre

On Saturday (5th April), the Friends of the Colchester Archaeological Trust (FCAT) held a successful Roman army day here at Roman Circus House. It was led by archaeologist and educator Dr John Smith, who is an expert in Roman military equipment. About ten children, accompanied by adults, came to the morning session, when John wore the full kit of a Roman soldier. The children seemed to enjoy handling John’s replicas of Roman military equipment but they declined the opportunity to go outside and be taken through some Roman army drill… For the afternoon session, John gave a presentation in the large public room of the circus centre to a group of FCAT members. The topic was ‘The Roman army – fact or fiction’. It was very appropriate to hold a Roman army day here, as Colchester was the most significant site for the Roman army in the early years of the Roman occupation of Britain.

John went through the whole kit of a Roman soldier, describing how each item was made and who made it, and how each item was worn, including the armour, chain-mail, weapons, and even under-garments – but, fortunately, he remained fully clothed throughout. The presentation was extremely interesting and it was a pleasure for FCAT to welcome John and his wife Del here to the Roman circus centre.

The cafe at Roman Circus House was open all day, as well …

Many thanks to John and Del for the whole day, and we’re glad that you liked the circus centre and enjoyed your visit here!

The image shows John addressing the FCAT members in the afternoon, in the large public room of the circus centre.

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