The Rotten Romans

Ferdy loves the Ancient Romans. He knows lots of facts like how they wiped their bums with a sponge whilst eating dormice and flamingo hearts, that Julius Caesar was killed by his best friend Brutus with no pants on, and, most importantly how they used their own pee to wash their clothes...

So when we heard that his new topic at school was the Romans, we were all looking forward to lots of enthusiasm and excitement from Ferdy.

However, according to Ferdy, he knows about the Romans thanks so he doesn't need to learn about them..

So today was about rekindling a bit of enthusiasm.

Ferdy's music teacher started on Thursday night, beautifully combining his new sound science topic with his Romans topic, by playing him music from a lyre, a cithera and a tuba - some of the most popular instruments in Roman times.

After we had done our science on sound and maths on division (and a little bit on Roman numerals), we headed out to find a local Roman site.

Weary travellers, Ferdius Maximus and Harrietus (I ruled out the name Mummius Shoutious as suggested by Ferdy) journey to the small town Letocetum in search of their uncle Petronius, a rich nobleman who owns a large Mansio.

When they finally arrive, they are happy to find some baths which are free and where they can recuperate after their long journey. Ferdius, however is quick to point out to Harrietus that she is not allowed in as it is the afternoon and women are only allowed in in the mornings. Ferdius uses the toilet in the changing rooms and then enters the hot bath where he can sweat a lot and get the dirt removed from his skin. Harrietus has to content herself with a stroll around the garden and a few star jumps in the exercise area.

Later, after watching a few gladiator fights and chariot races, they find their uncle Petronious, who welcomes them with a sumptuous feast of peacocks eggs, wild boar and ostrich, followed by stuffed dates and fruit. Harrietus thoroughly enjoyed the many toasts they made to fellow diners and Ferdius was delighted to not use any cutlery. After a tiring day, they didn't even need to move from their beds at the table to go to sleep.

nox noctis!