Leader: Maryam Rodway, 01438 715381
Meetings held at Peartree Close, WGC, AL7 3UP
An enthusiastic group meet on alternate Monday afternoons at Peartree Lane to read and discuss "The Roman World".
We have, over the years, covered the Roman Republic and then the Roman Empire. This year we have been giving Roman Britain a long look, covering the Roman invasion and the romanisation of Britain and looking at all aspects of life under the Romans from Julius Caesar's exploratory invasion to the withdrawl of the legions in the 4th century AD.
There is often more discussion than reading in the group because we are fascinated by the similarities between the Roman times and our own.
The second hour of our class is usually given over to a video presentation of the many BBC or Channel 4 programmes dealing with subjects ranging from Pompei to the Emperor Constantine or even "What the Romans did for us". Frequently we take another look at the BBC TV production of I Claudius, that follows the fate of the Caesars and their families from Augustus to Claudius.
The last meeting of the Summer Term is held in St Albans!
After a Waffle Lunch we visit either the Roman Museum (now absolutely superb) or the site of Verulamium and this July we also visited the Hypocaust in the park. This has now been covered by a most impressive roof and has been very well displayed.
Next term we are returning to Suetonius and studying the Twelve Caesars.