Hannah Watkins, Classics Trip Specialist
The British Museum exhibition ‘Legion: life in the Roman army’ has been met with praise and 5-star reviews, being hailed as ‘the most powerful exhibition in British Museum history’ (The Telegraph), “muscular … but moving” (The Times) with “spine-tingling artefacts” (The Evening Standard). It is no wonder that schools are chomping at the bit to take their students, but with limited availability for schools to visit for free and the often-significant admin of organising such a trip, many teachers may question the value of a daytrip to the British Museum.
Having viewed ‘Legion’ on its second day with a group of London-based Classics teachers, we could all see the value that it could have for students. Linked together by the evidence surviving from the letters of a soldier called Terentianus, the Legion exhibition provides an individualistic view of Roman military might. Instead of retelling epic tales of brutal victories or crushing defeats, the exhibition draws upon the lived experiences of individuals; from the smells (literally!) of life on camp to the financial burden of enlisting, and the misery of pitching in a goat-skin tent in the Northumberland rain. These moments transport students back to the Legions and reveal the individuals behind the armour.
Throughout Legion there are engaging stations to interact with. As one member of our group commented; “We all ended up acting like big kids as we played with the interactive elements such as trying on helmets or spinning a wheel to determine our fates as soldiers.” (S. Legg, Berkhamsted School). A nit-comb, something all viewers would have experience with at some point in life, demonstrates the smaller discomforts of life that link all humans, as well as the enduring design of the instantly recognisable item! A particularly interesting display shows two skeletons buried hastily on top of one another, with their swords (highly unusual as weapons were normally returned to the legion they served). There are archaeological suggestions that these soldiers were quickly killed and buried, possibly after a fight, while on duty. The display emphasises that the perils of army life extended beyond the battlefields. Students cannot help but learn through connection; the exhibition removes the experiential distance between ‘us’ and ‘them’ and reveals fascinating insights to military life by showing that these soldiers were ordinary people that lived with emotions and concerns that link humans throughout history.
In taking this approach, the British Museum have joined those trying to bring the ancient world to life through stories and objects, rather than (undeniably impressive) achievements of cities and institutions. Emma Southon’s book ‘History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women’ (available to purchase in the exhibition shop) leads the reader through a compelling list of ancient women and focuses on what their lived reality may have been, challenging long-standing ideas that women were not active members of political and military life. In a talk given at the British Museum Southon made it feel like these women were in the room, fully formed with personalities, ambitions, and achievements of their own.
In her BBC podcast series ‘Being Roman’ (still available on BBC Sounds), Mary Beard achieved a similar result when exploring the lives of six individuals. With her usual enthusiasm, Beard fashions an image of the empire that is not dissimilar to the modern world. From the pressures put on child-stars, to issues of human trafficking, and the challenges faced by mid-level managers. In a similar manner to the Legion exhibition, Beard turns away from the stories we have already heard about the empire and its citizens, and instead stands face-to-face with the individuals.
The lived experience approach is successfully engaging audiences with ancient life. It is refreshing for those with a long-standing interest in the ancient world, but for those students being introduced to the Roman Empire it offers connection with the people of the empire by showing the human side to life 2000 years ago. For teachers of Classics or ancient history Legion offers a great opportunity to ignite an interest the Roman Empire and introduce them to some of its most interesting and well-travelled individuals. It is undeniably interesting that the Romans also carried nail kits, had woolly socks for the colder months, and needed references – some things never change!
‘Legion: life in the Roman army’ is open until 23rd June 2024, at the British Museum. There is a free teacher’s exhibition viewing on the 29th February – please click here for more details.
