following in the footsteps of the legions and auxilliaries

Ican only imagine how the soldiers and officers must have felt returning victorius from their campaigns in Brittania From Segontium in North West Wales. Victory at Mona the capture of Caracatus(caradog i ni o Cymru) and back through Gaul over the Alps down the spine of the Empire and on to the Eternal City. What an experience for us a small band from Deva and Segontium A chariad o Gymro Macsen a Sean

Frontier Wolves

Outstationed on the northern frontier,I started at one border,then crossed another before our vexillatio set off for Rome.The legacy of Rome has brought us together for an adventure away from our historical boundaries to find out how similar we are to our new friends in Lorrach. There is the rivalry and banter between those on different sides of the borders, but it really does look like the emnity is in the past. The twinning of cities helps me realise how much we have in common.So here we are in Italy, about to meet up with even more fellow Europeans to celebrate our heritage. It’s taken us about 2000 years to move from conquest to mutual respect and friendship, but at last we can return as ambassadors of Dewa to the city which gave birth to us.We’ll make you proud!

Gaius Flavinus Squamatus
Coh VI Legio VIII Augusta
Attchd Leg XXVV Deva Victrix

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

Well it has been a grand total of 3 days now and we are in Italy and well on our way to Roma. It has been a very long journey and hard work yesterday marching arond Lorrach, but so far it has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life! I have never been to Germany before and to be honest I never thought I would! I was totaly wrong in my assumptions of the Germans, they are some of the most respectfull and friendly people I ever met! They really pushed the boat out for us and in one solitary day, they did more for us than we have ever received to date. Thank you lorrach.
The Alps were amazing to see and it makes you wonder how Hannibal ever had the courage to attempt to cross them! I cannot wait to arrive in Roma with the Legion! This is really a dream come true for me! This trip has made me realise that honour is not dead in the world, So. Let’s bring it back with us lads! Giaus Titinius Felix

Romeward Bound

3 countries in one day. Stumbled out of bed at 5 am and on the road by 6. Travelling through Switzerland gave us some great views (between all the tunnells). Eventually the snow in the Alps has given way to right sunshine in Italy.
The first of our number, Brutus, has just arrived in Rome (he flew in this morning). You can almost smell the excitement as we draw closer to Rome (or perhaps that was the hard boiled eggs we had for breakfast).
Between cat naps, a lot of the time on the coach has been spent with last minute kit making and fine tuning. Everything is just about complete now, so it’s just s matter of eating up the miles.

Optio Markus Mummius

Germania Victor

As we cross the alps finnaly I have a moment to reflect. Since departing Chester for me it has been full-on. I am overwelmed by the solid professionalism of our team. From the excellant drivers to the water carrying children. All have been where they are supposed to be before time. This has helped to present a very slick appearance.
Lorrach welcomed us with open hearts. it seems that you need to travel too really undestand Hospitality. The 5 Kilometer march into town was escorted by three policemen and a town official. THis under an atmosphere of two sided pride. Us representing Chester and they presenting their town to us and us to there town.

After all the official bits we spent our 3 hours of freetime in the town centre interacting with The locals in a very german way? Then the 4 kilometer march to the next appearance. The down side was missing a call in to dee 106 due to functions. Sorry mike.

Our thanks to lorrach can not be overdone we felt as if we belonged.
My thanks to our team for high spirts and quality ambassador ship. And a lament for sore feet.

Centurio Ocratius Maximus

Drivers views day3

What a day never seen lightening like that but now sunshine, all good!!!This is the strangest job I have ever done the looks we get are madness! Great bunch of guys just a bit bonkers.Jon The Driver

Roman’ travelling through Switzerland

Well we were in Lorrach yesterday. I am totally shattered from all the marching we did. The people in Lorrach were very welcoming and it was lovely to be received by the Burgmeister (mayor). The weather was beautiful. We left at 6am this morning and have been travelling through some fantastic scenery in Switzerland. It was great to see the snow on the mountains. Though I’m getting bum ache at the moment. We have just come through passport control and are now in Italy. Everyone on the coach is in good spirits and the drivers are doing us proud.

chester uni film crew

Was amazed at the hospitality of the people of lorrach. We have been capturing fantastic footage with help from the proffesional attitude and we are well on the way to compiling great material. Adam hawthorne