To The Roar Of The Crowd - a new exhibition that explores the depiction of popular Roman spectator sports on everyday objects - opens at Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, this Saturday, April 8.
Gladiator fights and chariot-races are well-known aspects of Roman civilisation that still appeal to the public imagination today. They were popular spectator sports and, like big sporting events nowadays, involved large crowds, passionate supporters and prize money for the successful.
Scenes from fights or racing were commonly used as decoration around Roman houses on mosaics and wall-paintings - as well as designs on bowls, drinking glasses, knife-handles, lamps, and jewellery such as signet rings and brooches. The exhibition To The Roar Of The Crowd looks at some of the items that were in everyday use, and what they can tell us about the world of the games.
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The exhibition examines the roles involved in spectator sports, from those who organised the events and the owners of the gladiators, to the participants in the spectacles, who included not only gladiators, but wild animals and criminals. Visitors can find out about the different types of gladiators, their weapons and equipment, and learn about the experiences of charioteers, and the rituals of arena and circus.
Alex Croom, Keeper of Archaeology, said: “This exhibition has given us an amazing opportunity to display an unparalleled selection of oil lamps depicting a wide range of different scenes from the world of the gladiator and charioteer. They really bring home just how popular the fights and races were to the Romans.”
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager, added: “Blockbuster films, TV series and fiction have brought images and stories of gladiators and chariot racing to life for us. This exhibition explores the reality of what took place in the arenas and circuses around the Roman Empire. The combination of numerous contemporary depictions of the games with exciting new graphics promises to be an absorbing visitor experience.”
Segedunum Roman Fort is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free to children under 16 and NE28 residents - adult entry charges apply otherwise. For more information, check out Segedunum's website www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk.
- Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum is situated on Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR.
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