On Monday 2nd February, Year 9 set off on a Latin trip to Caerwent and Caerleon. After crossing the Severn bridge, we hopped off the bus at Caerwent.
Caerwent was the tribal capital of the Silures, a fierce local tribe, and so the Romans called it Venta Silurum. We then walked around the impressive walls, which still stand 5.2 m high, before investigating the Romano Celtic Temple. Walking on, we discovered the Forum, which would have hosted market stalls and traders; you might have been able to buy goods from all over the Empire. Lastly, we looked at a villa and some shops, before rushing back to the bus to warm up!
Next stop: Caerleon, a Roman fortress with an amphitheatre and baths, which the Romans called Isca, as it is next to the River Usk. Caerleon was the headquarters for the Second Legion Augustus from 75 to 300AD. We looked at the barrack remains first, thinking about the size difference between the legionaries' quarters and the centurions'. Next up was the latrine block, a very small room considering that around 240 men had to use it!
The last outside attraction for the day was the Amphitheatre, an impressive structure which could seat up to 6,000 people. We then went into the Museum and had lunch, followed by a talk from a man dressed up as a legionary, during which we were able to hold some weapons and dress up in the armour. Cramming into the very small reconstructed barrack room, the boarders were glad that Sanderson was not like it!
We all enjoyed the trip and it helped many of us to understand our Latin stories better. Thank you to Ms McNee, Ms Summers, Ms Wertheim and Frau Loveless, for making this trip happen.
Isla, Year 9
