ARCHAEOLOGISTS at one of Britain’s earliest Roman buildings are digging deeper than ever before to investigate unanswered questions about the building - and you can get involved this weekend.

Students and staff from the University of Reading have returned to Roman Silchester, in Hampshire, for this year’s Archaeology Field School to explore never-before-excavated areas of the baths, which date back around 2,000 years.

They are seeking to shed light on unanswered questions, such as when the baths were built and fell out of use, where their water supply came from and what Romans snacked on as they bathed.

Members of the public are now being invited to see the history of the baths being revealed, live before their eyes, at an open day at the site on Saturday when an open day will be held from 10am to 4pm.

Visitors can get tours of the excavations throughout the day by the project directors, Professor Mike Fulford and Amanda Clarke, along with displays and talks about the finds.

A dig pit will give children a chance to try archaeology for themselves.

Professor Fulford said: “These baths have not been investigated in more than 100 years, so we are re-excavating them armed with a wealth of new knowledge and techniques that are already allowing us to make new findings.

“Fundamental questions remain about the building, and the lives of the Roman people who used them, but by digging in unexplored areas of the site we hope to take a leap forward in our understanding of this landmark of Roman Silchester and Roman Britain.”

The search for evidence continues until 21 July, and, funding permitting, for a further three summers.

Members of the public are also welcome to visit the Field School any other day up to and including Saturday, 21 July from 10am to 4pm, except for Friday, 13 July.

The excavations will be closed from Sunday 22 July.