An utterly epic exhibition exploring the day to day life for those who fought in the Roman Army is filled with mesmerising (if at times overwhelming detail)
Stepping into this mammoth exhibition at the British Museum, it is hard not to get swept away by the attention to the extraordinary detail in which Legion: Life in the Roman Army goes into.
Taking visitors into the day to day life of being a Roman soldier, from being recruited to eventual retirement (if you were lucky to survive) the exhibition has been carefully curated to explore every aspect of the lives of ordinary Romans. While the story of Claudius Terentianus helps to centre the progress of the exhibition, other stories also feature heavily through a variety of objects including tombstones, swords and even a cuirass (a breastplate and backplate that fasten together) which was discovered a few years ago and put together by archeologists (over an incredible two year period). But personal objects are also used including original socks and shoes which adds a human touch in the sense it makes the visitor feel closer to the stories being told.
It would be fair to say that there is a lot of information to absorb that can be slightly overwhelming, while the way in which objects are displayed (particularly in the early rooms) can feel a bit unimaginative. But when the exhibition really gets going, such as when we reach the battle section (surprisingly small but effective) there is plenty to thrill and makes you feel as though you are experiencing a part of history – with the help of video and sound design. This shows how history can be brought to life effectively.
But this is also an exhibition for families as well, with the help of the Horrible History interactive aspects that will help encourage children to show an interest in this history as well. It was heartening to see families explaining things to their children and seeing their fascinated faces absorbing it all.
While the early rooms focus on the recruitment and ultimately tough conditions that recruits faced (the only way that they could be honourably discharged is if they were medically discharged, dishonour, retirement or death after they had taken the oath), the later sections takes a bloodier approach as it discusses what happens if the recruits got themselves in to trouble – with one example of a human remain who was executed via crucifixion (with an iron nail still visible through the foot). War and death really hang over this exhibition.
There are of course some incredible (and miraculously preserved) objects on display including a range of helmets with different styles that reflected the Roman’s increasing understanding of the best way to protect soldiers as much as possible, while a wonderful head piece and armour made of crocodile skin shows amazing craftsmanship. Every object has been picked for a purpose and is effective in bringing this to life.
Yes in terms of information it can be slightly overwhelming as a subject, but the British Museum has done an extraordinary job in bringing it to life, showcasing just how impactful the Roman army was (highlighted early on in the exhibition with a map that reveals just how much they invaded or had control of). It is an epic exhibition to match the power and might of the Roman army.
By Emma Clarendon
Legion: Life in the Roman Army is on display at the British Museum until the 23rd June 2024.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐