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Mayor of London Boris Johnson is to be joined by popular historian Bettany Hughes and head teachers from primary and secondary schools across the city at London’s City Hall tomorrow to launch a new drive to boost classical education in state schools. But is there any point teaching a dead language to already-bored kids?

The tousle-haired Tory studied Classics at Oxford as an undergraduate, and has long talked-up how beneficial a good understanding of classical history can be when it comes to getting to grips with modern politics. In the past he’s called for every child to be taught Latin, and even written a book, The Dream of Rome – made into a documentary by the BBC in 2006 – comparing the European Union with the Roman Empire.

London is home to a massive bronze statue of the legendary Queen Boudicca in her chariot, which was proudly erected in the Victorian era. Leading her chariot into battle, Boudicca – or Boudica, or Boadicea, as she’s sometimes known – looks capable of grabbing any victory for the city.

But rather than London's fierce defender, Boudicca was actually its enemy. This competition invites you to discover this controversial statue in London, and win points and prizes for sending us your photographs of the warrior queen.

The statue was made by the English artist Thomas Thornycroft from 1856 until 1885, and wasn’t erected in its current position until 1902. But where is it?

Photographers - thank you for getting your cameras out in support of our photography competition 'Ancient Spotted Photo Contest'.

There were a lot of really great photos submitted, and it has been incredibly hard to choose a winner. But after a lot of consideration we have decided on the winner of the first photo competition of the Ancient World in London series of quests.

Last week’s inaugural Ancient World in London Blogger’s Challenge called for opinions to be cast on the subject of which invaders had the most historical impact on Britain’s venerable capital, sparking shouts for all from rats to Roman traders, Scandinavian raiders and even a band of (admittedly made-up) Roman warrior-pigeons. I’ll today kick off round two – which again gives entrants the chance to win prizes both real and virtual – by posing a brand new question:

We have partnered with Turkey holiday specialist HolidayMate to offer you a grand prize - a week's holiday for two in Turkey. One lucky competition participant will win the prize at the end of our 12 week Ancient World in London series. For those of you suffering the grey London weather, here are some details to mull over:

The history of Athens and its many monuments is endlessly exciting for visitors and you don't need to be in the city itself to get a taste of its glorious past. Wander around London, admire a few buildings, have a short visit to the British Museum and then finish your day with a trip to the cinema and you will feel like you've been to transported to ancient Greece. So here are 10 points of call for experiencing your very own "Athens day" in London.

Best-selling author Caroline Lawrence has added her name to a growing list of celebrities supporting the fight to save Colchester's Roman Circus.

Lawrence, the author of the ‘Roman Mysteries’ series of children’s books, joins other high-profile people backing the appeal, including authors Ronald Blythe, Guy de la Bedoyere and Adam Hart-Davis, Time Team presenter Tony Robinson, architectural historian and TV presenter Dan Cruickshank, broadcaster Peter Snow, and former MP and cabinet minister Tony Benn.