A MAN has brought a game back to life after it had been buried for more than 2,000 years.

Alex Jones, 42, invented a set of playable rules to a game discovered by archaeologists in 1996 buried in ‘The Doctor’s Grave’ in Stanway.

The grave of the Druid of Colchester was discovered with a medical kit, including scalpels, needles and forceps, and a board game with counters laid out as if in play.

Mr Jones, of Maldon Road, Colchester, has researched games from the time and Celtic stories, which also refer to an unidentified board game, to come up with a set of rules for the mystery game.

He said: “Originally, it was a personal interest to try to solve the mystery. I want to bring this game back from the dead and give it to the community of Colchester so a new generation of people can enjoy it.

“I think it is a very close interpretation of how it was. I’m fairly confident.

“It’s been buried for 2,000 years and now it’s been uncovered.”

The game, called Aquila, involves two types of piece – 12 cohorts and one Aquila. All the pieces can move in straight lines, the same as a rook in chess.

The aim of the game is to trap the large piece on all four sides.

He has made 12 boards for the game and is now inviting people to have a go at a free event on Saturday, September 5, at the Roman Circus Centre, off Butt Road, Colchester.

People aged between six and 70 have tested the game. Mr Jones, who runs his own leafleting business, said: “They have really enjoyed it. It is addictive.

“Even though the rules are very simple and there are just two pieces,Ithink it is far more complex in the variations than chess.”

The game event will run from 10am until 2pm and is open to anyone over ten-years-old.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit aquilagame.com.