The reconstruction of an ancient Roman garden

This Sunday, June 25th, members of the Virtus Antiqua reenactment association from Cluj invite volunteers and the general public to take part in yet another experimental archaeology meeting at their center Camp Virtus, in the village of Salicea, near Cluj-Napoca. The meeting envisages the reconstruction of an ancient Roman garden, with beds for medicinal, cooking, and decorative plants that the ancient Roman would have known and used. Due to the access of goats at Camp Virtus, the gardens needs to be protected by a wattle fence, the construction of which, with local materials, shall take up most of the meeting. Still, it shall not be all work, as we will also cook an ancient recipe inspired by Apicius' De re coquinaria - cabbage and cauliflower with spices and pig meat sausages. The event is part of the ongoing cultural project entitled "Labyrinth through time" that encourages outdoors historical learning for families of volunteers.

See you at Camp Virtus, ca. 8 km. from Cluj, between 11 AM and 16 PM to help us with some historical reconstruction and tasting. Join our Facebook event for all the details and find inspiration checking out our image collections regarding reconstructions of Roman gardens, ancient gardening tools, and plants known during Antiquity. 

The Roman garden - experimental archaeology workshop at Camp Virtus

Roman garden reconstruction in Cluj-Napoca, part of the botanical garden

 

Current state of the garden reconstruction at Camp Virtus

Ready for the Dacian Party?

The weather forecast for tomorrow, August 20th, states sun and heat during the Dacian Party in Salicea, so we have prepared a new shed. There will be tents and pavilions as well and some natural shadow, but visitors are advised to wear sun accessories and bring water, as Camp Virtus is located out of the city. Get ready for some historical fun!

Here is how to reach Camp Virtus, ca. 8 km from Cluj-Napoca through Faget. Easily get there by car and bicycle. More info and directions on our website (in Romanian).

Historical fun at the Dacian party

The Dacian party announced for the 20th of August at Camp Virtus, near Cluj, envisages lots of fun and competitive outdoor contests. One can shoot with the bow and arrow, try out the ancient sling, compete in arm wrestling while standing, pull the rope or even toss the caber. All activities are free of charge! Join the party to have fun, but also learn about the Dacians and ancient history in Transylvania. The event if family-friendly, as children can use less powerful bows, play ancient board games, or experiment being an archaeologist for the day - discovering mysterious artifacts that they can take home. See you at Camp Virtus next Saturday at midday!

 

Dacian party near Cluj on August 20th

If no other plans come to mind or if you are interested in ancient history, reenactment and outdoor activities, you could join the Dacian party! The even is organized at Camp Virtus, in Salicea, near Cluj, by the reenactment NGO Virtus Antiqua and includes interactive workshops (target practice with bow and arrow and with ancient-model slings, an adapted variant of the caber toss, skandenberg=arm wrestling standing up), tasting of ancient Dacian recipes, while the young can fly kites and try a bit of archaeology.

The event is a great opportunity to learn about ancient history hands-on. You can meet the Dacians, try their costumes and weapons, train a bit, taste their food, and discover how historians obtain and analyze accurate information of this fascinating civilization.

There are also prizes to be won and money to be donated (all activities are free of charge) - the funds shall be used by the NGO to build a replica of an ancient Dacian, Iron-Age house.

Join the Facebook event CHEF DACIC for updates.

See how to reach CAMP VIRTUS on their website.