This blockbuster British Museum exhibition explores the life of a Roman soldier — specifically Claudius Terentianus. We learn about what motivated Terentianus (and others) to enlist in the army, what ranks and roles he had, what he would have worn, where and how he would have lived, whom he would have fought and why, and finally how he would have left the army.
The exhibition also follows Rattus Rattus (of Horrible Histories fame) as the (fictional) soldier Claudius Terratus. Unlike the usual kid-friendly signs, Rattus's are genuinely entertaining for adults and children alike. Bad jokes and interesting facts are the hallmarks of Horrible Histories, and there's a good level of interaction with these displays.
The only surviving scutum (legionary long shield) is on display in the exhibition, and there are other fascinating objects like an anti-cheat bronze dice tower.
This is probably the closest I have got to time-travelling at an exhibition. The distance between the viewer and the past is minimal. I highly recommend it.
Visit the exhibition: britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/legion-life-roman-army.
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