Taste of the Empire

22nd – 23rd June, 11am – 4pm.

Historic, demonstration chef John Crouch is back with us at the Roman Army Museum showcasing ancient Roman cooking, in collaboration with the Comfrey Project. You will be immersed in ancient Roman life, as you smell the aromas of ancient flavours, have a taste of what a Roman solider on the frontier would have eaten, and even pick up some recipes to try at home.

Magna Fort was home to the Second Cohort Dalmatia from modern Croatia near the modern city of Split and the First Cohort of Hamian Archers from Hama in the Orontes valley in northern Syria, making this a multi-cultural part of Hadrian’s Wall during the Roman Empire. This project looks to make the connections with modern and ancient communities in a celebration of this diversity.

The Vindolanda Trust have been working with The Comfrey Project, exploring the heritage of Magna Fort. Members of the Comfrey Project will be with us to chat about their cooking traditions, looking at the differences, and similarities between the ancient and modern food traditions.

The Comfrey Project, based in Gateshead, provides a safe, welcoming place for people who have fled conflict and persecution to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, develop new skills and put down roots in their new community. They provide horticulture-based activities including gardening, bee-keeping, cooking, crafts and construction, to improve people’s lives.