Eaton Gallery of Rome
Level 3
The new Eaton Gallery of Rome presents a comprehensive survey of ancient Roman culture that spans a 1000 years of history and covers a vast geographic area from Britain to Egypt. This captivating story is told with more than 500 objects from the ROM's remarkable holdings of classical antiquities—the largest such collection in Canada. A splendid array of marble, terracotta and painted portraits allows you to come face to face with important historical figures and everyday people. Learn about the expansion of Roman rule over the Mediterranean world through the displays of Roman military gear and coins that transmitted the Emperors’ image to the far flung regions of the Empire. Then discover the collection of magnificent ancient Roman jewellery.
In this gallery, you’ll also find the Bratty Exhibit of Etruria, that brings to life the Etruscans, a neighbouring civilization dating back to 800 BC. Finely crafted jewellery, skillfully made vases and intriguing religious artifacts are some of the many fascinating objects that help shed light on this enigmatic culture.
Gallery Interactives: Look for video documentaries and tactile displays offering unique learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
Slide Show
Co-Emperor Lucius Verus, who ruled from AD 161 to 169, was adopted as heir by the Emperor Antoninus Pious and served as co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius, whose daughter he married. This magnificent example of Imperial portraiture depicts the Emperor as an all-powerful dignified ruler and is among the highlights of the Eaton Gallery of Rome.
Emperor Lucius Verus (Marble bust), Imperial Rome, AD 165-170.
The victor of a Roman chariot race, steering a four-horse chariot at the Circus Maximus, is depicted on this terracotta oil lamp. Both the wreath and palm branch the charioteer are symbols of victory. This terracotta lamp comes from Asia Minor and was created during the 1st century Imperial Rome (about AD 50).
Lamp (terracotta), Imperial Rome, 1st century.
The Gallery comprises fourteen major thematic exhibits – spotlighting different aspects of life in the Roman world, comparing values in different regions of the empire, telling the story of Roman expansion, and illustrating the manners in which Roman ideas influenced local cultures. This denarius (coin) depicts the wreathed head of Julius Caesar from Republican Rome.
Denarius Coin (silver), Republican Rome, Mint of Rome, Rome, Italy, 44 BC
This terracotta cinerary chest (about 225 – 150 BC) is a significant example of Etruscan work and is located in the Bratty Exhibit of Etruria, a featured exhibit within the Eaton Gallery of Rome.
While the origin of the Etruscans is still uncertain, it is known that they populated the area known today as Tuscany just after 800 BC.
Cinerary Urn (terracotta), Etruscan, Italy, 300 - 100 BC
Etruscan society declined as the Roman Republic grew, but their lasting legacy can be found in rare, highly complex works in terracotta, bronze and gold.
Earring (gold), Etruscan, Italy, 550-500 BC
Gladiators and their combat in the Flavian Amphitheatre — the Roman Colosseum situated in the city of Rome today— was a deadly spectacle that fascinated the ancient Roman world. Up to 55,000 spectators could attend these Gladitorial matches at a time. This helmet is believed to have been discovered in a 19th-century archaeological survey of the Flavian Amphitheatre, the largest colosseum ever built in the Roman Empire. This helmet (circa AD 300-500) probably saw its last use close to AD 403, when gladiator games were abolished.
Helmet, (bronze), Imperial Rome, Italy, 1st century
