A collection of some of the finest Roman artefacts in the world is on display in Dundee from today.
Containing many items from the British Museum, the ‘Roman Empire: Power and People’ exhibition includes sculptures from the villas of Emperors Tiberius and Hadrian, as well as coins from the famous Hoxne treasure.
Other items include near-perfectly preserved children’s clothing from Roman Egypt.
Depute Lord Provost Christina Roberts said: “I’m delighted … This is something we have been excited about and it is such a great opportunity to have 160 Roman artefacts on display.”
The free exhibition runs until Saturday May 10.
Dirk Booms, curator of Roman Archaeology in the Greek and Roman department at the British Museum, said the exhibition’s strength lay in its variety.Click here for a full photo galleryHe said: “Many of the items here are from emperors’ villas and would have been highly valued in ancient Rome, so it is little surprise that they have survived in such good condition.
“But we also have less valuable items that would not have been saved, such as children’s clothing, which is really quite remarkable to see.”
Other items at the exhibition, which aims to give an insight into the lives of people across the empire, include burial caskets and jewellery.
Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, said: “Following the huge success of our major exhibition Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum, it is clear that the Roman world continues to fascinate and surprise us.
“I am delighted this exhibition, exploring the wider Roman Empire in relation to the British Isles, is now at the McManus.”
Alongside the exhibition, there is also an art display focusing on classical works through the ages.
The art on display dates from 450BC to 1997.
Find out more at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/event/16986.