At its peak, the Roman empire numbered some 60 million inhabitants and controlled everything "from Mesopotamia all the way to Hadrian's Wall", said Nick Clark in the Evening Standard.
Stationed across it was a force of 300,000 soldiers (small by modern standards, but one of the largest ancient standing armies). It was tasked with defending borders, policing, and putting down rebellions. The job was dangerous: once a soldier began his 25-year term of service, "medical discharge, dishonour, retirement or death were the only exit routes" – and recruits had just "a 50% chance of making it to retirement".
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The "scant story" is brought to life with extraordinary artefacts from every corner of the empire. A single red sock accompanies a letter he sent "begging his father to send better sandals" and a pair of felt socks. We see "a case of nit combs" – then as now, lice were unavoidable in the ranks – and even "an exquisite little travel toilet set" complete with "tweezers, ear scoop and nail cleaners".
This is not "the prettiest of shows". Its palette – "a moody mix of rust, iron, blackened leather and stone" – may leave some craving a bit of colour. But it's a "muscular" and "moving" exhibition.
The "darkness" of military life is never overlooked, said Alastair Sooke in The Daily Telegraph. "Twisted human remains" – including the skeleton of "one poor, crucified soul" – abound, while "a perforated ox's skull used for target practice" demonstrates the power of Roman artillery bolts.
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