Organised in collaboration with the British Museum, Rome: City and Empire opened on Friday, September 21 and will run until February 3, 2019.
The exhibition showcases 260 objects from the ninth century BC up until the sixth century AD, many of which had never left the London museum before.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the power, beauty and strength of the Roman Empire, while discovering its history and politics.
The exhibition’s curator, Lily Withycombe, says it was created in response to constant demand by the Australian public to get a deeper insight into the Roman Empire.
Walking through the museum, visitors can travel back in time and experience how Rome evolved from a small town into the most powerful empire in the world, learning about iconic figures such as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cleopatra and Augustus.
Even today, the Roman Empire’s legacy continues: it has influenced government formation, legislation, architecture, religion and language.
The exhibition places special focus on the empire’s military power, rulers, gods and the diversity of its population through statues, a Pompeian fresco, coins, jewellery, ceramics, golden artefacts and everyday objects, among others.
“Everything you could imagine from the Roman Empire will be on display,” Withycombe says.
“We’re talking about one of the most fascinating societies in the ancient world and an exhibition like this has never been displayed in Australia.
“We’re expecting many visitors.”
Several activities have been incorporated into the exhibition’s itinerary, including a self-guided audio tour which narrates the history of the Roman Empire through 33 stories, 63 protagonists and 4000 sound effects, making the experience all the more realistic and evocative.
“This exhibition is of particular interest to Italians in Australia, but will also appeal to anybody with an interest in the history of ancient Rome,” Withycombe concludes.
For more information or tickets, visit the National Museum of Australia’s website.
