Roman Legion Exhibition at the British Museum

A very belated article but one that I have been wanting to cover for a while now. Back in April last year as part of an anniversary trip, me and my girlfriend visited the Roman Legion Exhibition hosted by the magnificent British Museum. 

The British Museum is one of my favourite places, having visited at least 4 times now, I never grow tired of the fascinating history it holds, especially being a huge fan of the ancient period, however this time it was hitting a real passion sweet spot, the mighty armies of Rome!

From a very young age I have always loved learning about the Roman military and it’s awe inspiring feats of conquest and also it’s insane technological advances and impact on the areas that came under the empire. Further fuelled by growing up watching Gladiator and the amazing HBO series Rome, this interest has stuck all through college and now more than ever I find myself looking at wargaming projects on the period and inevitably painting many Romans in the future. I guess they supposedly say men think about the Roman Empire at least once a week...rookie numbers! 

Enough rambling about me, back to the exhibition. The layout and theming was executed really well. Taking visitors through the various stages of Roman life in the army all through the use of accounts of Claudius Terentianus. He was an Egyptian born who lived under the Romans and strived to join the ranks of the legions. Lacking references and direct Roman citizenship he was only able to join the Alexandrian Roman Fleet in around 110AD. 

His story and accounts have survived in great condition in the form of several papyrus letters and notes, mostly back to his family about his time in the military. One notable letter is a request for extra clothing to be sent to him as his issued was very ill fitting.

His story concludes with finally making in into the ranks of the legion through a transfer system, using references of his character. He served on the Syrian frontier, possibly under Trajan during his Parthian campaigns and eventually managed to retire with the Roman military pension and settle with his family. 

The number of archaeological artifacts that made up the exhibition was amazing! From training equipment and several examples of gladius and various types of Roman armour to grave memorials and coinage. This was a combination of pieces from the museum's own collection but also a lot of touring and loaned pieces from around the world, making the exhibition a truly once in a lifetime experience! 

It painted a vivid picture of life during the Roman empire for the soldiers that fought and those surrounding them, the lives of families of soldiers and the Emperors they fought for. 

Many people instantly think of the Roman solider as the iconic legionary but another real highlight for me was the exhibition panning light on the auxiliary troops that made up the Roman Army. Showcasing Rome's ability to adapt from their foes and the empire's multicultural wealth, many of these troops took the fighting styles of their native countries allowing the Romans to capitalise on the strengths of their conquered subjects. Visible in the display was the use of horse archers from Syria as well as the formidable ancient battle tanks, the mighty Cataphract Cavalry. Service within these branches would grant the soldiers Roman citizenship for both them and their families, something that was highly respected and sort after. 

Rounding off, I will leave with my top 3 pieces that were on display. 

Starting with the lorica segmentata from the site of the Battle of Teutoberg Forest in 9AD. This was one of the bloodiest defeats the Romans faced, losing several legions in an ambush in the deep forests of Germania against ferocious tribes warriors all under the command of Arminius, who was originally a Roman Auxiliary cavalry officer. The fact that this armour had been likely worn by a legionary killed in that very battle was truly both fascinating and also hit home the brutality of ancient warfare.

Next has to be the Cataphract Horse Armour. These have always been an ancient combat unit favourite for me. Originally used in the 4th and 3rd Centuries BC in the armies of the successors they became a staple of Eastern warfare, particularly in the Parthian forces. Both rider and horse would be clad in armour, notably scale which would allow these squadrons of cavalry to smash through enemy formations. Often armed with a double handed lance called a kontos but some even used bows. The Battle of Carrhae in 53BC showed the Romans exactly what these formidable warriors were capable of, crushing the armies of Crassus during his Parthian campaign. They were later adapted by the Romans as the eastern provinces were conquered and became a troop type of auxiliary cavalry right up to the end of the empire. 

Lastly and probably the most beautiful piece was the extremely well-preserved shield from Dura-Europas. On load for the exhibition from Yale University, it is the best surviving example of a Roman shield found. Discovered in Syria, it's believed to be from the 3rd Century AD. It's design is extremely artistic and the level of detail on the painted creatures almost makes it too nice to be thought of as a battlefield piece. 

Some of Rachel's highlights from the exhibition were the skeletons finding it amazing how you could pretty much work out their exact cause of death from the wounds on them and also the fact that we can pinpoint both age and geographical location. Also the intricate detail on some of the everyday items such as belts and jewellery that the soldiers would have had. An honourable mention goes to the cute little bronze mouse sculpture with trumpet! 

Overall the entire exhibition was a solid 10/10 trip which we both thoroughly enjoyed and left learning a lot more than already known about the Roman army and its legacy to this day!