Form 1 experienced the world of ancient Rome with a Roman Day workshop. The children were transported back to Roman Britain with a recreation of life in the past including role-play, practical activities and hands-on experiences with Roman replica artefacts.
The Byron House Big Room became the villa near a Roman occupied town during the 60 AD Boudican revolt where the children were busy working as apprentices, learning, making and trading crafts whilst sharing all the latest gossip as Romano-Britons. The children all took the role of Roman citizens or slaves during the revolt and, from their villa, awaited the news of the outcome whilst discussing the events that led to this dangerous time in the history of Roman occupied Britain. One young Roman commented, “We got to prepare a Roman feast and we all had different roles to play. I learnt a lot about how the Romans lived, they had a complicated way of bathing!”
Form 1 Romans also had the chance to test oil lamps and make charm bags and fresco paintings. The children visited a typical beautician, potters, herbalists and jewellers too. The morning finished with a storytelling session. During the afternoon the children experienced a symposium, which celebrated the Roman victory over the Boudican rebels with a prepared banquet. Food was served by slaves and the feast included performances by the children who took on the roles of actors, dancers and soldier-athletes. Our Romans went home with many an anecdote being told of the escapades of the day. One young Roman commented, “I loved the marching and using the shields. Everybody got to have a go at something fun – we acted out one of Aesop's Fables called 'The Fox and the Crow'. The Romans loved entertainment and it was just like the Colosseum; we were sat in a massive circle.”
