The Romans Return
First a question. When Roman sites are excavated in the UK, the level of the floors are always about 12 to 18 inches (300 to 450 mm.) below the level of the surrounding ground level. In the many instances that apparitions or ghosts of Romans are seen walking, again their legs are sunk about the same distance into the ground as they walk. This of course adds credence to these sightings, whether they are the "spirit of place" or someones time-event computer playing up. Why is this? Answer at the bottom of the page.
The group form up in the standard engagement pattern. All orders given by the Commander or Centurion are authentic Latin. There are various patterns of drill as in modern army drill.
The primary personal weaponry are the lance and dagger. Body armour consisting of chain mail and panel armour was worn by the higher ranks.
The Centurion wears a markedly different uniform, denoted by the different colour of the plume. All the uniforms are accurate and where possible of identical fabric to that originally used.
Soldiers attend to the bolt - firing Ballista, which can propel a wood and metal bolt several hundred metres with extreme accuracy.
Another view of the Ballista. Although an accurate replica, this does work well and as it is an inherently very dangerous weapon, has to be used to a strict set of safety rules. The bolt fired will pass clean through the human body.
Mosaic floor normally found in high status Roman buildings. Note the difference in level between floor and ground level. Roman Villas were normally built at the junction of several Roman roads, and near a reliable water source, normally a river or stream. From there the water was ducted to a sump well, which provided water for drinking and also fed the baths.
Hearth sump. The solid fuel hearth was used for cooking and the heat was also transferred to draughted air which fed the warm air central heating via the supported area shown and ducts.The heat was also used to warm the water for the hot bath.
A model of Housesteads Fort, one of the larger military settlements. Most Roman Forts were of a similar design.
The Roman tent was very similar to modern tents and would typically house eight soldiers. Again cooking and eating utensils were not that different to modern camping gear.
Replica Roman wood and metal working tools. Almost the same as modern tools, a very high standard of work could be achieved.
The Romans excelled in Civil Engineering, led by such pre-eminent experts as Vetigerius. These are models of various building methods. The model on the right is of a Roman road. Roman roads, always straight, were of similar construction, albeit using their available materials, as modern roads. They were well aware of the importance of drainage and camber, sub-base, base and wearing layers. In fact Roman roads were so good, often modern roads used them as a sub-base. Roman roads were used for both foot and wheeled transport. A 2CV would have been better than a chariot, though. The Italians continue to be very competent in Civil Engineering today, of course.
The groups Colours, used at the front of marching groups, and in battle. Required considerable work and skill to produce.
Various pipes and ducts used for the warm air heating and water and drainage services. Clay castings were of very high quality. These are excavated originals.
An artists impression of a scene at the Baths. Mixed nude bathing made bath night an event to look forward to. Meanwhile, outside, weary Anglo-Saxons plodded knee-deep in mud from one thatched round - house to another, with not a single bar of soap between them.....
The Romans left Britain about 400 AD, ending a period of the most civilised living, not really equalled again until the 16th Century. The leaving was probably due to the inordinate cost of maintaining military presence in the many far-flung parts of the Empire, at a time of the failing resources of Rome. Or perhaps it was all those wild parties that flowed from the mixed bathing and a descent into moral decay......
The above photographs were taken at a summer re-enactment event at the Rockbourne Roman Villa, Rockbourne, near Fordingbridge, Hampshire, UK.
The Roman Villa is situated about 4 miles North West of Fordingbridge (travel via Sandleheath).
It is open as follows: April - June: weekdays 12 noon to 6 pm, weekends 10.30 am to 6 pm.
July and August; each day 10.30 am to 6 pm.
There is a small charge to visit the Villa and Museum.
Telephone nos.: 01725 518541 (open) or 01202 482860 (closed).
Answer: Ground level and building floor level are not the same due to build up of ground level. This is due to laying down of air-borne dusts and decayed vegetation at ground level. This may be in the UK about 1 inch (25mm.) per hundred years, but of course over the 1600 years since the Romans left will be very appreciable.
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