PUPILS were transported back 2,400 years when ancient Greece invaded Cheney School.

The East Oxford Community Classics Centre held a double bill of themed days including archery and cavalry shows by re-enactment group Comitatus.

Pupils learned about topics including democracy, human rights, theatre and philosophy and watched weaponry demonstrations throughout both days on Thursday and Friday.

John Conyard, a member of Comitatus who showed his skills on horseback, said watching re-enactments can inspire children to learn more about ancient Greece.

He said: “You could talk about weapons to children and it might interest them but if you can come riding along on a horse at 40 miles per hour and demonstrate the power of a sword then that can really fire their imagination.’’ The team behind this year’s Oxford University Greek Play put on a series of Greek tragedies and Greek speaking workshops and Dr David Carter from the University of Reading visited to talk about Athens and democracy.

The East Oxford Community Classics Centre has been based at Cheney School since October and aims to allow all pupils to engage with the Classics.

It is open to visitors of all ages from the local community and all activities are free of charge.

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