Year 9 reimagine Roman daily life
Senior School
“ I thought I knew a lot about Roman things, but after the talk I came out knowing so much more!”Year 9 student
During their Classics lesson on Thursday 11th January, Year 9 were treated to a visit by Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Kane, who, dressed in Roman military kit, described the realities of daily Roman life.
Having transitioned from vet to author of historical fiction, Ben Kane clearly engages in vast amounts of research to ensure his books are accurate and informative whilst being lively and engaging. The topics ranged from childbirth, toys that are not so dissimilar to our own, literacy, trade, opportunities for women, housing, sanitation, death, slaves and gladiators.
He brought alive archaeological evidence, such as the birthday party of Claudia Severa found in Vindolanda and the skeletons of a man and wife buried with their hands held together, always explaining what this evidence reveals about real people from two thousand years ago. At the end of the talk, he showed a variety of replica artefacts, including an amazing bronze purse that would have held coins inside but be concealed on the wearer’s upper arm to avoid being robbed on the street.
“ Having transitioned from vet to author of historical fiction, Ben Kane clearly engages in vast amounts of research to ensure his books are accurate and informative whilst being lively and engaging.”
After his talk, there is no doubt that we are grateful to be alive in the 21st century and to be accorded the privileges of our education, opportunities, sanitation and security we enjoy in Bath today. Year 9 were most shocked at the prospect of infant mortality, with 20-50% child mortality by the age of five and with the concept that a father could have complete control over your life and even whether you lived or died!
One Year 9 student commented:
"I really enjoyed Ben Kane’s author talk as it was fast moving, interesting and had lots of information that I didn’t know before. Also, there was a good PowerPoint which helped you imagine what it was like in the Roman times. I thought I knew a lot about Roman things, but after the talk I came out knowing so much more!
"The talk made me want to read the book as the writer was really engaging to listen to. I am really grateful that we got this opportunity as it was fun and I learned a lot!"
We are fortunate to have Ben Kane as a returning visitor. Read more about his previous visits:
Author Ben Kane visits our Classics Department - Royal High School Bath (gdst.net)
Travelling Back in Time with Ben Kane — Royal High School Bath