AN ANCIENT army returned to York this weekend as part of the Eboracum Roman Festival.

The popular historic tribute, which finished today, saw troops march around the city, stopping at the Minster to meet onlookers.

They were also greeted by York's new Lord Mayor, Cllr Dave Taylor, who inspected troops from the Legion VI Victrix Eboracum in Museum Gardens.

More than 50 of the Romans marched through the streets of York on both Saturday and Sunday, while guided walks and talks were conducted by leading Egyptologist Jo Fletcher, who spoke about discovering Ancient Egypt in Roman Yorkshire.

The festival celebrates York's Roman history, which dates back to AD 71 when they landed in Britain and 5,000 soldiers set up camp in the city.

While under Roman rule, the city was known as Eboracum and was the first city in the north of England to be conquered after settling in the south a quarter of a century earlier.

Many of the events took place in the Museum Gardens as the historic setting provided a backdrop to siege weapon demonstrations, children's army drills and a Roman camp with a display of stalls and goods.

Best selling children's author, Caroline Lawrence, hosted two workshops at the Museum Gardens and festival sponsor, AOC Archaeology Group, created a 3D scan of the landmark's Roman Multiangular Tower.