Emperor Augustus ruled one of the greatest superpowers in history. The Roman Empire lasted for more than 500 years and covered a quarter of the world’s population.
And this success was based on military power – the imperial Roman army.
A new exhibition at the British Museum was dedicated to her. Here they tell the stories of the soldiers who served in its ranks.
The exhibition includes more than 200 items: from images on stone to iron helmets.
The Roman army and its military bases stretched from Scotland to the Red Sea.
Some joined the service to gain citizenship, others to support their families.
And although history books tell more about brutal battles, the fighting was just a small episode in the life of a soldier.
Most of their lives were spent in peaceful conditions. The military often served as the police.
The exhibition shows the everyday realities of military life, from the tents to the games they played to keep themselves busy.
