Youngsters got a taste of Roman life during a free activity day at Calne library.

They dressed up as Romans, made soldier’s shields, took part in a Roman gods and goddesses hunt and made mosaics.

In the afternoon children unearthed artefacts from a mini sandpit, identified them with the help of staff and asked questions about them.

Last Tuesday, historical authors Ben Kane and Ruth Downie also ran an evening session for adults interested in Roman culture and archaeology.

Mr Kane, who wrote the Forgotten Legion and the Hannibal series, spoke about the time he walked Hadrian’s Wall dressed as a Roman centurion.

Librarian Jessica Phillips said: “The children really loved the hands-on archaeology. They were all crowded round the table and we had to run the sessions four times that afternoon.

“For the evening session we had 25 people come, which was lovely. Ben brought swords and things for people to look at, so it was a Roman week for us.”