University probe could reveal new insights into Roman life

Roman secrets could be unveiled when students come together at the University of Lincoln for a fresh examination of ancient inscriptions.

Twenty hand-picked students from across the UK will take part in the 10th annual Practical Epigraphy Workshop, which will take place at the University of Lincoln between June 20 and 22.

By holding a fresh study and re-examining the inscriptions, new insights will hopefully be revealed, giving a glimpse into what Roman life was really like.

The students involved will gain direct experience of the practical elements of recording and studying a range of stone and lead Roman objects featuring inscriptions at the event in collaboration with The Centre for the Study of Ancient Documents, University of Oxford, and Lincoln’s The Collection Museum.

The Jellicoe Inscription (Credit – The Collection)

The students taking part will have expert guidance from experts in the field, including that of Dr Roger Tomlin, a classicist and cursive Latin specialist, who will be giving a public lecture at 6pm, 20 June, on his involvement with the ‘Bloomberg Tablets’, Britain’s largest, earliest and most significant collection of Roman waxed writing tablets.

Attendance to the lecture is free, but prior booking is essential.

The St Paul Inscription (Credit – The Collection)

The Head of the School of History and Heritage at the University of Lincoln, Professor Paul Stephenson, said “It is… a great opportunity to showcase some of the heritage science techniques we have available here in Lincoln.”

Professor Stephenson also expressed his pride for the university by explaining that three University of Lincoln second-year students have been selected for the event, giving them new skills and insights for their final year of study.

Antony Lee, the Collections Access Officer at the Collection museum, expressed the importance of Lincoln’s Roman heritage and welcomed the opportunity to bring the county’s archaeological collections into the national limelight.

He also said, “The ability to converse with experts in this field about the significance and interpretation of the inscriptions will enable us to better interpret them to the public.”

For more information and to book a place at the lecture, go online here.