A REPLICA of a table used by Roman commanders in the 4th Century has been installed at a North-East museum.

Arbeia Fort in South Shields is reconstructing the living quarters of a commanding officer and has made the sandstone serving table, based on part of a table found at the Vindolanda fort.

A spokesman for the museum said: "The replica table would have been used to hold flagons of drink where slaves would fill cups and then take them to the diners reclining on the couches.

"The first phase of the reconstruction of this 4th Century house is now complete.

"Inside, visitors can see where the commanding officer would have lived and entertained important guests."

The living quarters are decorated with frescoes on the ceiling and a mock marble effect on the walls. The designs are based on fragments of plaster found during excavations.

The spokesman said: "Visitors can also walk out on the verandah and view the courtyard walls.

"The back wall has been decorated with frescoes of a fantasy garden featuring plants, shrubs and birds.

"Archaeologists have taken great care to replicate exactly what has been unearthed on the 4th Century.

"Building has taken place on the original foundations to the same specifications and,where possible, exposing original walls and floors.''