University of Durham: North East Sixth Form Classicists Summit

During the Easter holidays 23 classics enthustiasts from sixth forms around the region gathered to explore Roman influence around the Mediterranean and then closer to home around the North East.

We explored Egyptian mummies in the period of Roman rule, Roman mummies in Egypt, and the intersection between Egypt and Rome under the influence of the reign of Cleopatra VII. We then turned to our rich local heritage, using funds from the CA to transport students to the Roman forts of Housesteads and Chesters and explore the evidence for settlements and daily life of people serving the Roman empire from around the Mediterranean.

We examined everyday items from Roman soldiers’ equipment, inscriptions to local deities, and investigated the extensive bath facilities of Chesters as well as the adapted facilities to house horses for the cavalry.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with most students impressed with the extent of opportunities to learn about Classics locally through facilities at the university and actual sites along Hadrian’s Wall.

(posted on X under handle @ClassicsNorth)