WHAT have the Romans ever done for us?

While the Monty Python fans among us may be able to answer that question – as well as historians and archaeologists – others might not realise just what an impact they had on the UK.

For example, on the A354 at Martindown you will find you can walk alongside a Roman road.

The road itself is higher than the land and slightly curved to allow water to run off and was one of many leading to the busy Roman town of Durnovaria our present day Dorchester.

Dorchester itself is rich in Roman heritage, with some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the UK.

Maumbury Rings gives us an insight into the importance of entertainment in the Roman world with a huge amphitheatre space.

And people can find out more – and add to that list – during a special event running on September 23 and 24.

Roman technology can be seen in action during Apple Weekend at the Ancient Technology Centre, in Cranborne, including a Roman-style apple press where you can bring your apples from home to crush and juice.

Make sure you bring a suitable receptacle to take your juice home with you!

Meanwhile, you can look in the Roman replica forge building and garden, complete with graffiti copied from Pompeii.

And there is also the ever-popular Roman water wheel; an experimental construction our volunteers helped to build from an archaeological find from the Thames.

As well as all things Roman, the site features a Viking Living history camp and combat demonstrations, storytelling, alongside a hot barbecue, tea, coffee and cake.

Entry costs £10 for adults, £5 for children, with under 4s free. The event runs between 10am and 4pm each day. Parking is in the Cranborne Middle School car park and no dogs are allowed on the site.