Step back in time and witness the brutal realities and unexpected human stories of ancient Rome's mighty military machine with the captivating new exhibition, "Legion," at the British Museum. This immersive journey delves into the lives of the men, women, and children who forged Rome's path to power, offering a nuanced perspective beyond the traditional portrayal of stoic legionaries.
Curated by Richard Abdy, "Legion" transcends the impersonal image of armies, weaving a compelling narrative through over 200 objects from across 10 distinct sections. Borrowing from 28 esteemed lenders, the exhibition breathes life into history, allowing visitors to connect with the individuals who shaped the Roman world.
Legionaries were often depicted as a unified, emotionless force, their famous "tortoise formation" of shields symbolizing their impenetrability. However, "Legion" shatters this stereotype**, humanizing these individuals by incorporating wall texts and object labels featuring excerpts from the letters of Claudius Terentianus, a citizen who volunteered for service in 111 AD.
The exhibition unfolds chronologically, beginning with an atrium showcasing a bronze head of Emperor Augustus, the architect of Rome's professional army. The second space, "Joining the Army," unveils a papyrus list of recruits alongside a soldier's purse containing a month's pay—equivalent to a Judean farm laborer's wage in Jesus' time, but offering greater stability.
Terentianus' letters reveal the harsh realities of military life, including the constant wear and tear on equipment, with his shoes needing replacement every two weeks. This section also sheds light on the soldiers' resourcefulness, as evidenced by Terentianus' request for felt socks instead of the standard red wool ones.
A gold coin from the third century BC depicts soldiers taking the "sacramentum," the oath of service, binding them to the emperor. "Ranks and Roles" highlight Terentianus' deployment to Alexandria, Egypt, a critical port for importing grain to Rome. Here, visitors encounter the tombstone of Genialis – a young soldier who died in Germany – and the skeleton of a marine who perished while evacuating Herculaneum during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Promotions and postings were often determined by connections and influence, mirroring the themes explored in the "Sword of Honor" trilogy by Evelyn Waugh, a former marine stationed in Alexandria. In the "Promotion" section, a papyrus letter from Terentianus' father reveals his unsuccessful attempt to secure his son's transfer to the cavalry.
"Legion" goes beyond the battlefield, showcasing the soldiers' daily lives and bonds. Visitors can marvel at ornate bronze horse armor, a marching horn, and cavalrymen's masks used in sporting competitions. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and shared experiences that forged unshakeable bonds among these individuals.
The "Dressing for Battle" section features the world's only intact scutum (shield), discovered in Syria and on loan from Yale University. Its vivid red leather and unit colors bring history to life. The exhibition also displays a replica portable catapult and a cataphract (horse armor) set, showcasing the might of the Roman war machine.
"Aftermath" confronts visitors with the brutal realities of war, showcasing the massacres and enslavement that followed victories. A powerful reminder of this harsh reality is the papyrus sales receipt for Abbas, a young boy sold into slavery by one marine to another.
"Fort Life" reveals the unexpected domesticity that emerged within the harsh military landscape. Legionaries stationed on remote frontiers often formed unofficial families with local women and slaves. Evidence of this comes in the form of lice combs, children's shoes, gaming boards, and even shopping lists discovered at Hadrian's Wall.
The exhibition goes beyond glorifying war, instead highlighting the human connections forged within the legions. The funeral monuments showcased here depict homespun cosmopolitanism, with inscriptions in multiple languages and individual stories etched in stone.
