British Museum and Antiquity

The British Museum matters for antiquity not only because of famous marbles and vases. For reconstruction, small objects are often more useful: weapons, sword grips, shield bosses, jewellery, footwear, brooches, belt sets, vessels and household items. Many have good museum descriptions and are accessible through the online catalogue.

Gladius type "Mainz". It was found in the River Rhine,early first century. Also called the sword of Tiberius. The British Museum in London

Belt set with pugio and gladius. First century A.D. British Museum. London.

Decorated umbon Legio VIII Augusta. First half of the second century AD Found in Britain on the River Tyne. The British Museum

Collection and Significance

The Department of Greece and Rome covers the ancient Mediterranean through late antiquity. The Roman Empire gallery is useful as an overview of the provincial world: objects come from many regions and make it possible to compare Rome, the provinces and military life.

Main Materials

Roman weapons and scabbard fittings;
material from Roman Britain;
brooches, jewellery, footwear and textile remains;
Greek pottery, terracottas and bronzes;
small sculpture and household vessels.

Context and Limits

When using British Museum photographs, distinguish objects found in Britain from Mediterranean objects that entered the collection through older collecting. This matters for reconstruction: a form may be ancient without being specifically Romano-British.