For
our October 2008 session we looked at the Romans, we found out
what changes they brought with them when they invaded and what
legacy they left us when they left again. We learned that they
established towns and that those that survive today whose name
ends in -chester or cester are survivors from the Roman Conquest.
We also learned about the new road system that they built and
the myriad forts that they linked. We discussed some of the physical
remains that are geographically near to us such as the great city
of Viroconium (Wroxter in Shropshire) where the Old Work still
stands proud, and the remains of Ryknield Street which is still
visible as an earthwork in Sutton Park.
We
looked at the different types of pottery that were introduced
at this time - from imports such as Samian from Gaul for the rich
as well as amphora containing wine, olive oil and fish sauce from
the Mediterranean. We also looked at mortaria and the distinctive
black burnished ware which were made in this country. Lastly we
looked at how the rich lived in their posh villas which grew
from simple corridor types to winged and courtyard. Many of them
had underfloor central heating something which we find fashionable
today which they hid under beautiful intricate mosaics. We
then had a go at making our own mosaics from beautiful glass tesserae,
and then virtually using a computer programme which was great!
We
also heard from Edwin one of our members - about his travels
to Rome and Pompeii, and shared photographs and stories about
what you can see there with others in the group that had been
lucky enough to go too. Edwin showed us graphics of how the volcano
had erupted, and fantastic pictures of the city that it had buried.
The wall paintings were truly beautiful especially the peacock
and we saw that there had been statues everywhere! Then Edwin
went on to show us a selection of coins from his collection that
spanned the height of the Roman Empire from its birth to its demise.
For
our October 2008 session we looked at the Romans, we found out
what changes they brought with them when they invaded and what
legacy they left us when they left again. We learned that they
established towns and that those that survive today whose name
ends in -chester or cester are survivors from the Roman Conquest.
We also learned about the new road system that they built and
the myriad forts that they linked. We discussed some of the physical
remains that are geographically near to us such as the great city
of Viroconium (Wroxter in Shropshire) where the Old Work still
stands proud, and the remains of Ryknield Street which is still
visible as an earthwork in Sutton Park. 
We
looked at the different types of pottery that were introduced
at this time - from imports such as Samian from Gaul for the rich
as well as amphora containing wine, olive oil and fish sauce from
the Mediterranean. We also looked at mortaria and the distinctive
black burnished ware which were made in this country. Lastly we
looked at how the rich lived in their posh villas which grew
from simple corridor types to winged and courtyard. Many of them
had underfloor central heating something which we find fashionable
today which they hid under beautiful intricate mosaics. 
We
then had a go at making our own mosaics from beautiful glass tesserae,
and then virtually using a computer programme which was great!
We
also heard from Edwin one of our members - about his travels
to Rome and Pompeii, and shared photographs and stories about
what you can see there with others in the group that had been
lucky enough to go too. Edwin showed us graphics of how the volcano
had erupted, and fantastic pictures of the city that it had buried.
The wall paintings were truly beautiful especially the peacock
and we saw that there had been statues everywhere! Then Edwin
went on to show us a selection of coins from his collection that
spanned the height of the Roman Empire from its birth to its demise.
