Hampton’s Classicists enjoyed a fascinating trip to several Roman sites in the UK over the Easter holidays.
A group of 20 Second and Third Year Hamptonians began the trip with a walking tour of the ancient city of Chester, home to the Roman fortress of the 20th Legion, Valeria Victrix. Highlights included a visit to the UK’s largest surviving amphitheatre, where successful decoding of the Altar to Nemesis was rewarded with gladiator poses in the arena itself! They also had the opportunity to explore Minerva’s Shrine: the only Roman shrine to remain in its original place in the whole of Western Europe. The group then travelled to Northumbria where they were trained up by Roman Veteran Rufus Aelius Victor, who put the Hamptonians through their paces as Roman soldiers – swearing oaths of loyalty in Latin and practising military formations with foam noodles and mini shields!
The Classicists explored Cawfields Quarry, which is situated on a steep slope on one of the highest sections of Hadrian’s Wall. Here they were expertly guided by a local Celtic warrior who explained all about what it was like to live over 2000 years ago. The pupils also visited the Roman Army Museum, where Hamptonians tried their hand at Syrian-style archery. The day concluded with a fascinating visit to Vindolanda Fort, where the Hamptonians immersed themselves in the life of a Roman soldier and were able to view the famous Vindolanda Tablets
The final day saw Hamptonians complete a walk along Hadrian’s Wall in beautiful sunshine. The group said ‘salve’ to the famous sycamore stump and ended the superb two-day trip at Housesteads Fort, the most complete Roman fort dramatically positioned on the Whin Sill escarpment, flanked by stretches of Hadrian’s Wall. The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to experience first-hand what life would have been like living during Roman times.
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