Festival of archaeology held in Plymouth

VISITORS to the Guildhall celebrated this year's Festival of British Archaeology with activities including creating rock art and identifying ancient finds.

At 'archaeology uncovered', run by Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery on Wednesday, visitors took part in activities including making Roman Standards and Viking shields, quizzes and identifying objects using trays of real finds.

Members of the Exeter Roman Legion were present to seek volunteers for marching practice, while members of the Plymouth and District Archaeological Society were on hand to provide information.

More archaeological activities will take place museum and art gallery on Saturday, including Egyptian artefact-handling, coin identification, costumes and cave painting, where people can create their own rock art. 'Fun and Finds' will run from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Fiona Pitt, the council's keeper of history, said: "The annual Festival of British Archaeology is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved in archaeology. Hopefully our events will encourage children and adults alike to learn more about ancient cultures and understand the importance of archaeological materials and objects."

The event is free and there is no need to book in advance.

The museum has its own archaeology gallery called 'Uncovered', which contains hundreds of artifacts discovered locally, including skulls, domestic implements, porcelain, pottery, urns, ingots, axes and coins.

For more information about the Festival of British Archaeology activities, call 01752 304774 or visit the special events page at www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk.