History-lovers mingled with Roman soldiers when they took a step back in time to view unearthed treasures in an Oxfordshire field.

Hundreds of people flocked to excavations near Frilford for a glimpse of Roman Britain at the site open day on Sunday.

The event was part of National Archaeology Day, organised by the National Trust and English Heritage, in collaboration with the archaeologists, to show the public what had been discovered.

The site, behind the former Noah's Ark pub on the A338 Oxford to Wantage road, is used as a training ground for archaeology students at Oxford University, who dig at the site each summer.

Excavations since the 1930s have revealed a large Roman temple complex, amphitheatre and other public buildings, dating back to between the early second century and late fourth century.

Underneath the Roman buildings, archaeologists have also discovered an Iron Age settlement.

Gary Lock, Professor of Archaeology at Oxford University, said: "It was a great day.

"We had Roman soldiers marching around, kids digging up Roman pottery, an archery demonstration and a display of Roman artefacts.

"Children liked digging things up and seeing the Roman soldiers, while the adults enjoyed seeing the site and having someone explain the archaeology to them.

"There were lots of questions and people were really interested.

"It was very satisfying for us.

"Archaeology is very popular at the moment because there is so much of it on the television. People are very interested in their past - they want to know where they've come from.

"This site is pretty much the only one of its type in Britain.

"We have got a temple and an amphitheatre together. Most other amphitheatres are found in towns or on the site of Roman forts. But this one is with a temple which means it was used for religious services and plays."

He added: "We are interested in the way the Roman settlement links back to the Iron Age settlement - and the way the Romans were inspired by the past.

"You can get a real insight into religious practices and beliefs."

Donations went towards funding the dig.