'Dig' the Romans at Rutland County Museum

New full-day workshop including two sessions is now available at RCM.

In the morning join the Time Team excavating a villa. At lunch-time there's an opportunity to sample foods imported by the Romans and afternoon activities include creating one's own mosaic and designing one's own Roman coin - both pieces of work to take away.

Staff and students are greeted at RCM's door by Brutus Ruritanius, Romano-Briitsh citizen, in Latin. Teachers who are unfamiliar with the lingo can be coached! They then assemble in the Study Area where an archaeologist explains the principles of field-walking, excavation, etc. Repair to the Education Room for excavation of six 'Time Team' trenches representing six rooms in a villa. Pupils will 'discover' original artefacts (with a few facsimiles), excavate them, list them on prepared sheets and have their purpose explained to them. A plenary session, when all have a chance to see all the objects, designates the artefacts to the appropriate rooms. During lunch, when foods such as dates, figs, almonds, olives can be tasted, wall-chart quizzes explore other Roman imports of flora and fauna. After lunch, split into three groups, pupils take turns to visit the Museum's Roman cabinets, create an individual mosaic and design a Roman coin. These creations are for the children/school to keep. Whilst this Workshop is in its infancy no charge is levied for Rutland primary schools.