VISITORS to an archaeological dig dubbed "the Pompeii of the North" were able to view historical artefacts and watch a Roman cavalry display.
The annual Roman festival took place at Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, over the weekend.
An estimated 1,000 people headed to the site, where archaeologists recently found a bath house with seven foot high walls once covered with brightly painted designs.
David Mason, principal archaeologist with Durham County Council, said: “The festival was excellent and we think that we had about 500 people on each day.
“The weather proved kind and the few showers that we had did not put people off.
“They were able to see the new excavations at the site and there was a Roman cavalry man, people firing bows and arrows and other attractions.”
Excavations have been taking place at Binchester since 2009, uncovering Roman items dating back 1,800 years.
Among the most exciting finds is an inscribed altar dedicated to the Roman goddess Fortune the Home-Bringer.
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