Colchester Archaeological Trust hosts event at Roman Circus

The Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT) showcased the iconic Roman Circus last weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its discovery at its archaeology day event.

There were plenty of free, family-friendly archaeological activities for everyone to enjoy at the event.

Hunt - Alex Lennard, eight, digging for and finding Roman treasure (Image: Steve Brading)

Adam Wightman, archaeologist at the CAT, said: “The day went very well. We had an excellent mixture of families and couples, and most people came from around the local area.

Helping hand - Jed Walkington, seven, high fives the hand of a skeleton (Image: Steve Brading)

“We had displays up about the history and discovery of the circus, which was first identified 20 years ago, and other displays about the elements of the circus being discovered in the years since.

Look back - learning about the city's history at the Roman Circus Visitor Centre (Image: Steve Brading)

Snapshot - an overview of Colchester in Roman times at the visitor centre (Image: Steve Brading)

“Everyone enjoyed lots of different games and activities related to the circus and Roman Britain.”

Historic - a variety of artefacts were on display for visitors (Image: Steve Brading)

On the day, there was an activity trail, tables for visitors to see and handle Roman finds, and sandpits for children to excavate and identify artefacts.

Tune - Janet Young plays a Cornus for visitors John and Jane Bass (Image: Steve Brading)

Adam said: “I think the highlight was all the children’s activities and having so many children running around, having a good time, learning and being interested in our city’s history.

“It was also great to have Colchester Roman Society, where there were lots of people dressed up as Romans teaching people about life in Roman Britain.”

The Roman Circus was built in the early 2nd century CE and it is the only known Roman Circus in Britain.