Two thousand years after they first arrived, the Romans arrived back in York. Luckily for us they came in peace, albeit still waving swords.
After getting up early and heading out for a run, it was a glorious morning early on, I arrived home and showered ready to go out. Much to Lyns' disgust, I made us fifteen minutes late leaving the house. On a plus side we were still in town ten minutes early as the bus and road gods smiled upon us, not sure the Romans had those gods however maybe Mercury, the god of travellers, is the most likely candidate to have blessed our quick passage through the traffic.
Today we were heading into York with some friends to go to the Eboracum Roman Festival, organised by the York Museum Trust. It was held in the Museum Gardens in the centre of York and there was lots to see and do. First things first though, we grabbed a coffee to start the day off. Coffee in hand, we strolled to see what was on offer. The first thing we came across was the mighty Roman Legions drilling.
All authentic until, after using latin words of command, 'Happy Days' drifted over the air
Now, whilst all dressed in shiny armour and carrying glades and scutum, sword and shield, they did not cast fear into my heart. I think Mars would have been chuckling to himself and thank goodness the barbarians were not at the gates. Even still, it was interesting to watch the drills.
After that it was onto the Roman encampment. Lots going on here, all sorts of displays with weapons, spinning and story telling. There was also a trail for the children to do with stamps.
Good bit of team work
After the stamp, the stabbing began...
Take that
Less violence in this one!
Does it suit me?
After we had all had our fill in the encampment, it was time to head up to the main arena for the forming up of the parade. Before that though, James confessed he was feeling a little tired. As always, Lyns will use any excuse for a cuddle.
Poor tired boy
Forming up ready to march.
Once formed, the legions marched, stopping traffic and people wherever they went. First stop was Betty's Tearoom - well obviously, everyone stops at Betty's when they are in York.
Standing guard, wishing he was allowed in for tea
Why have they stopped daddy?
Following a brief stop at Betty's it was onwards, heading for York Minster. The parade twisted and turned through York, picking up more and more people at every turn. Finally it arrived at the Minster and Ceaser prepared to address his legions. This was a wonderful spectacle, seeing Ceaser on the steps of the Minster with his troops cheering him.
Intently listening to Ceaser's speech
Before too long, it was over and the Legions marched back to the Museum Gardens. We on the other hand marched to lunch as we had two hangry toddlers. Fancying something different we headed to Las Iguanas for a South American themed lunch. What was intended as a light lunch turned into quite a feast. The ambience of the place is lovely and with the weather having turned beautiful, we sat outside.
This is the 'first time I'm the only one not drinking' face
Rassssssssp
More sugar, what could go wrong???
After a lovely lunch we headed back to the Museum Gardens to see what was going on. Unfortunately we had been so leisurely at lunch, the festival had finished. No matter, we had picked up some super hero capes so the two kids ran off whatever energy they had left. Unfortunately, whilst it started sedately, Lyns bore the full brunt of the energy release.
On your marks, get set, go!
I can fly...
Ooops, maybe not!
Once the two super heroes had finished 'saving' Lyns, it was time to head home. We had all had a lovely day and was nice to be involved in something different in York, we do not get into the city as often as we should do.