# Vindolanda: The Missing Dead — A Roman Mystery > Educational 2D narrative game about solving a historical mystery at Roman Vindolanda. (iPhone/iPad app by Graham Morgan.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vindolanda-the-missing-dead/id1542989970 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Graham Morgan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542989972) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 412 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2020-12-11 - Data updated: 2026-06-05 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vindolanda-the-missing-dead/id1542989970/reviews.md ## What is Vindolanda? ‘The Missing Dead’ is a new educational app to be played at Roman Vindolanda on Hadrian’s Wall. The app was developed in partnership between Newcastle University and the Vindolanda Trust and funded by the Arts Council England. It is a 2D narrative game which sees the player visit different buildings on the site and pick up clues to help solve an 1800-year-old mystery. Based on archaeological evidence excavated from the site, including the remains of the child skeleton, the game takes the player back in time from that archaeological discovery in 2010 to c. 230CE to try to solve the mystery. Guided by Aquila the Eagle the player will learn about what life would have been like at Vindolanda in the 3rd century AD by exploring the diverse community that lived there. Users follow Marcus, a Tribune at the nearby Roman Fort of Magna (next to the Roman Army Museum), who receives a request from his friend Vitalis to help him find his missing slave. The app is aimed at Key Stage 2 students (7-11-year olds) but can be enjoyed by any age. It deals with difficult, real-life subject matter, but handles this material with sensitivity: students learn about their past in a way designed to make them ask their own questions and to piece together the clues and information they are given to help them solve the mysteries, just like a real archaeologist! At the end of the game there is also an opportunity to go to the museum and to see the objects that appear as evidence in the game. They can also see the skeleton and discover for themselves how archaeologists have used the information available to learn as much as possible about its past. ## Key features - Solve historical mysteries - Explore Roman Vindolanda - Learn about 3rd century life - Based on archaeological evidence - Interactive narrative gameplay - Connects to museum exhibits ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vindolanda-the-missing-dead/id1542989970/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Great idea but some snags *2023-05-24, version 1.5* We used this app as a school group. It was great for the kids to see how Vindolanda would have looked. A couple of snags: Kids need to be able to read at an appropriate level. Voice overs would have been really helpful. The app was quite tricky to see at times on a sunny site. An estimated time for story completion would help us plan our visit too. ### 4/5 — Great idea! *2021-08-12, version 1.5* This is a brilliant app, and we have been enjoying virtually exploring the site and artefacts. We've run into a problem, though - the app freezes with a black screen just after we've stood in the rain and persuaded the door guard to let us see Sulpicius Pudens. Five times so far. Phone and iOs all up to date, and I've removed and reloaded the app twice... We'd love to play through to the end! ## Frequently asked questions about Vindolanda ### What is Vindolanda: The Missing Dead about? Vindolanda: The Missing Dead is an educational 2D narrative game where players explore the Roman Vindolanda site to solve an 1800-year-old mystery. It uses real archaeological evidence to recreate life in the 3rd century AD. ### Who is Vindolanda: The Missing Dead for? The app is primarily aimed at Key Stage 2 students (ages 7-11) but is suitable for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and solving puzzles. It handles sensitive subject matter with care. ### How does Vindolanda: The Missing Dead teach history? Players learn about life at Vindolanda in the 3rd century AD by exploring the site, gathering clues, and piecing together information, similar to how real archaeologists work. It encourages users to ask questions and solve mysteries. ### Can I see the real artifacts from the game? Yes, the app provides an opportunity to visit the museum and see the actual objects that appear as evidence within the game. You can also see the child's skeleton and learn how archaeologists interpret past information. ### What devices does Vindolanda: The Missing Dead support? Vindolanda: The Missing Dead is available on iPhone and iPod devices. It was released on December 11, 2020, and its latest version is 1.5. ### Is Vindolanda: The Missing Dead free to play? Yes, Vindolanda: The Missing Dead is a free application. It does not have in-app purchases or advertisements. ### Does Vindolanda: The Missing Dead have ads? No, Vindolanda: The Missing Dead is ad-free. The app is completely free to download and play without any advertisements interrupting the experience. ### How often is Vindolanda: The Missing Dead updated? The app was last updated on December 11, 2020, with version 1.5. Further updates would depend on future development plans by Newcastle University and the Vindolanda Trust. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.5 — 2020-12-11 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Vindolanda | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Salzwelten Destination Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/salzwelten-destination-guide/id1562000692) | 3.0 (6) | Free | Education | | [MTB Exams](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtb-exams/id1552918129) | — | Free | Education | | [Syllable Word Search](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/syllable-word-search/id791383557) | 2.3 (6) | Free | Education | | [Parcours Révolution](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parcours-revolution/id1528964667) | 3.0 (3) | Free | Education | | [Math Games For 3rd 4th Grade](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-games-for-3rd-4th-grade/id1607293528) | 4.2 (79) | Free | Education | | [Yousician: Learn & Play Guitar](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yousician-learn-and-play-guitar/id959883039) | 4.6 (136,218) | Free | Education | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-05.*