CHEDWORTH Roman Villa will host a two-week festival of archaeology next week.

Visitors to the attraction will have the chance to meet and chat to archaeologists, see and handle finds and watch Roman history be brought to life. Special hands-on activities, tours and a new festival family trail await the younger visitors.

Roger Box, a local archaeologist who specializes in Roman coins, will share his enthusiasm.

He will be showing off a coin collection that he has gathered over the past 50 years.

“It is not about the coins, but the detail in them that reveals a vast propaganda, stories and facts of the Roman Empire, which we were part of,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the festival and am delighted to share the fascinating facts and stories that the archaeology brings to us.”

The fortnight of events has been organised in conjunction with the Council of British Archaeology and runs from July 13-28.

Sigute Barniskyte, National Trust visitor services coordinator at Chedworth, said it was a chance to celebrate the villa.

“There will be something for everyone with an interest in Roman history and archaeology, keen enthusiasts and specialists alike,” she said.

“It is the first time that we are taking part in this national initiative and putting on a whole two-week festival to celebrate what our site is all about.”

The two week festival will culminate with a display of Roman legions from the Legio II Augusta re-enactment group.

For a full programme of events go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth