12th May 2010

DORCHESTER: When in Dorchester do as the Romans do

by Anita Harries

THIS May there will be a chance to celebrate Dorchester’s Roman heritage in a special festival to be held in Maumbury Rings.

The highlight of this exciting weekend, May 22nd and 23rd, will be Roman living history group Legio II Augusta with displays that encompass the full range of military and civilian life in Roman Britain during the first and second centuries.

The group has been together for more than 15 years and has grown to become one of Europe’s pre-eminent Roman re-enactment groups.

Members of Legio II Augusta come from all over the south of England, and will be demonstrating the life of the artillery, engineers, mosaicists, aristocratic ladies, slaves, archers, sculptors, smiths, cavalry, medical staff, painters, and gladiators.

They bring with them an unrivalled collection of full sized buildings, models and archaeologically accurate military equipment, musical instruments, household artefacts, and much, much more.

Although this group will be the main attraction of the weekend, there will be plenty of other things to see and do.

There will be displays of real Roman objects from the Dorset County Museum, a storyteller, and drop in workshops and activities. Novelist Ben Kane will be available on both days to talk about his Roman novels The Forgotten Legion and The Silver Eagle.

Saturday will begin with a march of Roman legionaries through the town from 11am. They should arrive at Maumbury Rings to start there at 11.30am.

Events on the Sunday commence at 11am in Maumbury Rings, and both days will end at 4pm.

The Roman theme will continue the following week at the Dorchester Arts Festival on May 30th and 31st when the Dorchester Roman Town House will host “What the Romans Did”.

The Ancient Wessex Network will display art and craft inspired by the Romans and demonstrate their techniques using clay, metal and textiles. Drop in and make a mosaic or some Roman costume jewellery or just watch the craftsmen at work.

On the bank holiday Monday, the Roman Town House will be taking part in the National Family Week Picnic. So bring your picnic along between 12noon and 2pm and join in the world record breaking attempt for the biggest picnic ever.

The Dorchester Roman Festival is being organised by the South Dorset Ridgeway Heritage Project, Dorchester Town Council, Dorchester Roman Town House and Dorset County Museum. More details can be obtained from Sarah Harbige on 01305 228241 or s.e.harbige@dorsetcc.gov.uk.

PICTURE: Legio II Augusta pictured at the end of a march

DORCHESTER: When in Dorchester do as the Romans do

DORCHESTER: When in Dorchester do as the Romans do

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