Nice people don’t write on walls, do they? Perhaps not, but the Romans were not always nice, and they wrote on walls constantly. Occasionally they produced the Latin equivalent of ‘I was here’, but often their graffiti were longer and more elaborate. What did they say, and why did they think that walls were the place to say it? Come to this workshop and find out: we will start by reading some Roman graffiti and then move on to composing our own Roman-style graffiti and using replica Roman equipment to scratch or draw it. (But not on the walls of Butser’s beautiful Roman villa, because we are all nice people, right?)
Can be paired with arithmetic workshop, use the code ROMANS to buy both workshops for £45.
Kids can be picked up until 5pm.
About the workshop
Half day workshop
Learn about ancient graffiti and its purposes
Learn (a little) Latin
Learn to use a (replica) Roman stylus or reed pen
No prior knowledge necessary
Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
Please note participants must be able to read.
Nicole Wellington holds an MA in Classical Languages and a Masters in Education from the Ohio State University. With 26 years of teaching experience from elementary through high school students, she currently teaches high school Latin in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the US. She has helped create many resources to help teachers incorporate graffiti into classroom lesson plans for the Ancient Graffiti Project.
This workshop is offered in partnership with the Reading Ancient Schoolroom, an educational charity started at the University of Reading in 2014 with the aim of bringing Roman schools to life and sharing them with today’s children. The ancient schoolroom will be in residence at Butser’s Roman villa from 26-31 August 2025, offering a range of workshops and drop-in activities.
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm, tuition and all the materials.
workshop info
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop. Lunch is not included, although sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic if you prefer!
This workshop is suitable for ages 8-16.
If you have any mobility concerns, special requirements, or other questions, please contact workshops@butserancientfarm.co.uk for help!