%20(1).gif)
The annual Eboracum Roman Festival reaches its 2026 finale this coming weekend - and is a great event across York and beyond, bringing together museums, universities, families and experts alike to explore, learn and teach the spectacular history of ancient York, specifically during the Roman period, when it was known as ‘Eboracum’.
The Roman influence on the city of York can still be seen today, with streets named after various areas, significant figures, and the ancient city itself, as well as various statues dedicated to Roman figures.
A good portion of the city walls are the original ones built by the Roman occupation to keep out the troublesome local tribe of Celts, the Brigantes, who were potentially responsible for the disappearance of the vanished Ninth Legion.
Archaeological evidence unearthed in York has provided a wealth of evidence about the history of the city, and the Roman culture in Britannia.
There are plenty of reasons, both ancient and modern, to celebrate, so an almost month-long festival is more than appropriate to commemorate the finds, lives and culture stemming from ancient times.
The history of York is filled to the brim with Vikings and battles, including the famed Wars of the Roses, and the Roman Empire formed a crucial part in the development of the city.
York, or ‘Eboracum’, was the capital of the north, a military hub, and, interestingly, a major centre for the manufacture of Whitby Jet into jewellery. Of the few Whitby Jet pendants that have been unearthed dating from Ancient Rome, six of these were found in York.
Two Roman emperors died in the city, one of whom - Emperor Constantine - is commemorated with a statue set just outside the Minster, alongside a Roman pillar, still standing close-by.
In addition to this, the famed city walls are evidence of the enormous fortress and military efforts in the area, as the original walls were built as a defensive measure by the Romans, portions of which remain today.
There is evidence of much cultural integration, with shrines to Roman gods such as Mars and Jupiter found across the city, alongside evidence of worship of Celtic gods, as well as temples to ‘cult’ gods such as Mithras, popular with the military. Further evidence of York’s military past, was unearthed in the area we now call Micklegate.
Significant discoveries of grave goods give an insight into the beliefs and culture of the time, and there has even been a possible gladiator unearthed underneath the Yorkshire Museum, although the evidence is uncertain.
In light of this extensive and fascinating wealth of history, there are a number of organisations across York dedicated to the preservation and understanding of its history. Many of these have come together to create this amazing event, an educational and community-based opportunity to learn about and celebrate the history of the city, and the wealth of discoveries in the area.
As well as the artefacts that on display inside the museums - including a real Roman mosaic - there are workshops and talks led by historians, authors and archaeologists.
The University of York is supporting a city-wide treasure hunt, and in York Minster, a series of crafts, objects and costumes are on display to bring the history of the site to life.
Several of the organisationsinvolved in the feastival have joined forces to provide opportunities to handle Roman objects, as well as a mock-discovery pit for aspiring archaeologists, supported by York Archaeology. “Working in partnership across the city is always such a pleasure,” said Gareth Henry, Director of Public Engagement at York Archaeology. “The Eboracum Roman Festival is a hit in the city, and we’re so excited to be bringing an expanded new archaeology zone to the festival this year, and support the Living History Camp in the Museum Gardens.”
The Living History Camp involves a Roman militia camp with soldiers in full costume, artillery and craft demonstrations, some of which visitors can get involved in. Skilled artisans are demonstrating Roman crafts such as weaving, pottery, carpentry and even blacksmithing. In addition to this, historians are on-hand throughout the festival to discuss Roman York’s links to other historical locations and periods.
As well as a talk on Egypt’s influence in Eboracum, there is an exploration by the International Shakespeare Festival of the influence of Rome on Shakespeare’s works.
The amount of effort put in to bring so many experts together, and so many people’s dedication and hard work in making this happen every year, is indescribable, bringing history to life on a vast scale and providing activities, talks and spectacles for both adults and children.
.jpg)
The Museum Gardens, situated beside the Ouse river, host the remains of the west corner of the fortifications surrounding the city, built by the Ninth Legion in the 1st century CE. several of the structures in the Museum Gardens are themselves a demonstration of York’s history, as layers of stone built on top of each other show different building techniques and architecture as the eras progressed.
Excitingly this month, the Eboracum festival just about coincides with the opening of a new exhibit at Yorkshire Museum - the famous Melsonby Hoard. While not strictly Roman, this important find has been on display since mid May, and is the largest deposit of Iron Age objects ever to be found in Britain.
The collection was in danger of being sold off to private collectors, but thanks to the actions of thousands of people, enough money was raised that the items could be kept and studied at the York Museums Trust. It’s an astounding testament to the community of people who are involved in Yorkshire archaeological projects, and a demonstration of how much York’s history means to the people who live and work there.
The Eboracum York Festival continues until Sunday 31 May, with specific events taking place on specific days.
More information can be found on the Yorkshire Museums website.
Header Image: Romans line up in York Museum Gardens. (Gareth Buddo)
