By Steph Johnson

Last updated at 20:11, Friday, 09 April 2010

More archaeological excavation work has started at Hadrian’s Wall’s historic Vindolanda site.

An unprecedented number of volunteers applied to join this year’s dig and more than 90 per cent of the 550 places were booked within the first two weeks.

In the past they have travelled from all over the UK and Europe to take part.

This year a number of people will be coming from as far afield as the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Excavations will be taking place both inside and outside the walls of the fort, at Bardon Mill, near Hexham, continuing the work of the previous year.

Finds on the site are considered important to the entire Hadrian’s Wall country, which extends into Cumbria. They continue to give clues about how the Romans lived across the region.

Andrew Birley, Vindolanda’s director of excavations, said: “If 2009 was an indication of what may be uncovered, we can expect another fascinating year of archaeology at Vindolanda.”

Archeologists will on site until Thursday September 16. Visitors are encouraged to go along to watch.

Meanwhile, a temporary exhibition about Hadrian and life on the frontier wall is currently at The Roman Army Museum at Greenhead, on the Cumbria-Northumbria border.

The exhibition boasts artifacts, enhanced graphic displays, life-sized figures and replica chariots.

Visitors can also take a look at the museum’s popular Eagle’s Eye film, which gives an aerial tour of Hadrian’s Wall as it is today.

First published at 14:15, Friday, 09 April 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk