This Autumn, Perth Museum and Art Gallery will be stepping back in time to explore the vast Roman Empire and its impact and influences on the local area through a collection of fascinating stories and objects.
Since its foundation almost 3000 years ago, Rome and its Empire have continued to captivate people’s imaginations across the globe. Displaying items from the collection, ROMANS: Edge of Empire will examine how the Caledonians lived and fought alongside one of the most extraordinary geopolitical powers in history, the Roman Empire.
People interested in history, museum lovers and visitors young and old are invited to explore the display of items from the collection and some impressive digital installations, including a 3D printed map. The map will show the roman camps once sited across Perthshire and the waves of invasion and occupation.
The new exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to get close to objects from an ancient civilization that have been found across Perth and Kinross. From North Muirton to Inchyra, ROMANS: Edge of Empire will detail the collision of two peoples, providing a fascinating insight into the Romans’ lives while understanding the relationship between the imperial government and the local people.
Mark Hall, Collections Officer at Culture Perth and Kinross, said, “Perthshire was part of the dynamic frontier zone of the failed occupation of what is now Scotland. The wealth of Roman sites across Perth and Kinross, and the rich archaeology collection of Perth Museum will help to tell the exciting story of the interplay between Romans and Caledonians.”
Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, said, “The history of Perth and Kinross is extremely rich and diverse, and I’m delighted that this new exhibition will explore that through the lens of the Roman Empire. The archaeology collections we care for help show the impact the Romans had across the entire region. I hope families will enjoy discovering what life was like for those living on the edge of an ancient super-power, whose Empire extended from the Atlantic to the Red Sea.”
To accompany ROMANS: Edge of Empire, there is also a new exhibition drawing from the work of craftspeople who have been commissioned to create replicas of rare and unusual Roman artefacts found along the Antonine Wall, including a Roman wine barrel, an Iron Age ‘tartan’, and an African style portable cooker, amongst others. Each object reveals stories of how individuals and communities (now and in the past) can break down boundaries and create a space where they belong. Visitors will be able to come and get hands-on with history and learn more about the communities on the Wall then and now.
The exhibition, The Antonine Wall: Beyond Boundaries, is part of the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, that encourages local communities to develop and deliver projects to engage with the World Heritage Site on their doorstep.
Alongside the exhibitions, Perth Museum and Art Gallery are running a programme of complimentary events and are excited to welcome back combat-trained warriors Clanranald, who appeared in the 2001 film, Gladiator. Also returning will be the ever-popular Time Travelling Cook, who’ll be serving up some Roman delicacies. Details of all our events can be found on the Culture Perth and Kinross Website What’s On section. www.culturepk.org.uk/whatson
ROMANS: Edge of Empire and The Antonine Wall: Beyond Boundaries open on 9th October at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
Admissions will be free. Donations welcome.