Romans in Residence in Caerleon

Nearly 2000 years ago a mighty fortress stood at Caerleon, guarding the land for the Roman Empire. Home to more than 5,000 soldiers, outside its walls many local people worked hard to earn a living.

This August there’s an opportunity to relive the Roman experience for free at the National Roman Legion Museum as the Romans are in Residence from 1 to 27 August, 11am - 4pm Monday - Saturday, 2 - 4pm Sunday, making a great family day out.

Come and meet the Romans in Caerleon. Train with the soldiers, watch Roman crafts or if you’re hungry visit our ‘Popina’ for a taste of some Roman fast food. Who knows what characters you will meet at the Museum? It may be a trader, a doctor or a soldier; talk to them about their lives and try some Roman activities.

Meet some of these people and find out more about their lives. The Roman gardens comes alive with all sorts of colourful characters. You might find Amazonia, the gladiator, who can train you to fight – but watch out! She’s got a nasty temper!

Or maybe have a chat with Dorothea the basket maker as she makes things to sell in the market, or Victoria the jewellery maker. You can’t miss Marcus the friendly gardener, who used to be a gladiator, so the story goes. If you’re feeling ill, visit Victoria the doctor and she’ll use the herbs that grow around her to cure you.

Flavia and Olivia can be found chatting to the soldiers or serving drinks in the “Jolly Boar”. Here you can also gamble with the soldiers, but watch out for the Centurions, because it’s illegal! The army is recruiting, so why not join? Haggle with the market stall holders or watch the craftsmen. Visit Lady Helena in her villa, recline on her triclinium and join a real Roman feast.

Victoria Le Poidevin from the museum said, “Step back in time at the National Roman Legion Museum this summer where we’ll bringing history to life over the summer holidays. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the Romans in Residence, before they vanish once more into the mists of time.”