Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 11/05) - Halloween had passed, but many junior high students at Thomas Simpson school were in costume on Nov. 4.

Some were dressed as soldiers in suits of armour complete with swords and shields.

Others, like the aristocrats and druids (or priests), wore flowing robes.

It was Roman Day, the culmination of two months of lessons.

Teachers Jeff Cressman and Steve Nicoll arranged for an emperor's feast and athletic games.

"It's good to have some fun with it," said Cressman, who acted as the standard bearer in the Roman military parade.

The royalty were seated at the head table, leaving the commoners to sit among themselves.

Asked how they came to be nobles, student Amber Allen replied, "It's in our blood."

Yes, historically speaking, social status was inherited. However, emperor Jordan Snider, the most powerful person in the room, revealed how he ascended to the pinnacle of the empire.

"I told Mr. Nicoll I had the right uniform," he said.

It turns out that Snider played the king during Medieval Day two years ago, and he held on to his costume.

Smart move - and proof that clothes make the man.

The students feasted on chicken strips and broccoli (typical Roman fare, apparently).

Afterwards, they watched a select few play gladiatorial games. The participants first had to recite, "Hail Caesar, we who are about to die salute you."

Then they competed by running, jumping, throwing spears at a target, heaving the "stone of strength," practising some swordsmanship and holding chariot races.

Upon completion of the obstacle course, the crowd indicated whether they thought the gladiator should live or die, but Emperor Snider was responsible for giving the ultimate thumbs up or thumbs down.

Student Leslie Auger said she thought the whole idea was "very good."

"We get to know how the Romans lived," she said.

Sharing some of his knowledge, Snider said the Romans had one of the largest armies in the world and won nearly every battle 1,000 years ago.

Fellow student Jeffrey McKay added, "They had very organized war tactics. They copied a lot from the Greeks."

Souvlaki anyone?