ROMAN soldiers will descend on Colchester once again to mark the opening of a new exhibition.

The exhibition, titled Colchester’s Street of Tombs, opens at the Roman Circus Centre, in Roman Circus Walk, on Saturday.

Tickets are now available for the event, which will showcase rare Roman finds made during the dig at the old Essex County Hospital site, in Lexden Road.

The Colchester Archaeological Trust, which is based at the circus centre, led the excavations at the site, where Essex County Council’s housing firm Essex Housing is set to build 120 new homes.

Since the dig began finds have included 12 Roman pottery kilns and a mysterious small square building with foundations about a metre across.

Archaeologists also found the skeletal remains of a young woman - buried face down in a shallow grave with the remains of young baby nearby.

The trust also uncovered evidence of small-scale Roman-period sand and gravel extraction, which is likely linked to the permanent closure of the Roman road between Balkerne Gate and London.

Previous finds at the hospital, where it is believe a series of tombs were situated, include the world famous Colchester Sphinx.

Read more >>> Rare Roman artifacts found at Essex County Hospital dig to go on display

A group of Roman Legionaries will be there on opening day to welcome visitors to the circus centre.

There may also be an appearance from Boudicca herself.

Tickets to the exhibition, which cost £3.75, must be booked in advance, with a limited number of people allowed at a time due to coronavirus restrictions.

A track and trace system will also be used for all those who attend.

Visit tickettailor.com/events/romanexhibition to book.

Visit thecolchesterarchaeologist.co.uk for more information about the trust.