Roman army takes center Stage in British Museum exhibition

Opening at the British Museum, the exhibition “Legion: Life in the Roman Army” explores the military dominance of the Roman Empire

An immersive exhibition on the life of the Roman Empire’s army, which stretched from Mesopotamia to Hadrian’s Walls in England, will open its doors at the British Museum on Feb. 1, 2024.

Focusing on the foundation of the army, the exhibition will explore what life was like for soldiers in the Roman Empire, from the lowest to the highest ranks. Over the course of four months, the exhibition will delve into the various roles of the army, their participation in battles, family dynamics and other details of their lives.

The exhibition will feature genuine artifacts and their captivating stories. One noteworthy highlight is the Roman military armor, sourced from the site where approximately 15,000 Roman soldiers were killed by German warriors.

In the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the only perfectly preserved legionary shield. The curators of the exhibition have gathered the finest examples from collections worldwide, creating a display of remarkable precision.

The shield has a long, curved surface, elegantly painted in a Pompeian fresco style with the same blood-red hue as the villa walls. In this context, the shield symbolizes luxury, but in its original setting, it represented the color of war. It is speculated that such shields had to undergo restoration after each battle, with real blood washed off and replaced by a fresh coat of red paint.

The exhibition Legion: Life in the Roman Army will be at the British Museum from Feb. 1 to June 23, 2024. It will provide extraordinary details of not only the war but also a vivid portrayal of the daily lives of Roman soldiers, including how they endured cold, experienced love, and penned letters home.

Source: Newsroom