ARCHAEOLOGISTS at one of Britain’s earliest Roman buildings have showcased their discoveries to the public.

Students and staff from the University of Reading have returned to Roman Silchester for this year’s Archaeology Field School to explore never-before-excavated areas of the baths, which date back around 2,000 years.

They are seeking to shed light on unanswered questions, such as when the baths were built and fell out of use, where their water supply came from and what Romans snacked on as they bathed.

As part of the project, an open day was held on Saturday where the roughly 800 visitors could tour the excavations, along with displays and talks about the finds.

A dig pit also gave children a chance to try archaeology for themselves.

Professor Mike Fulford, director of the Archaeology Field School, said: “The University’s Archaeology Field School has been uncovering Silchester’s past for 20 years and we expect this year’s excavation of the baths building to reveal more secrets about Roman Britain. The Field School is always a priceless opportunity for our students to experience a dig first-hand, and it was wonderful to share their progress with so many visitors at the open day.”

The search for evidence continues until July 21, and, funding permitting, for a further three summers.

Members of the public are also welcome to visit the Field School any other day up to and including Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

The excavations will be closed from Sunday, 22 July.