Magnificent examples of roman portraiture provide a dynamic focal point for the gallery's different themed displays.
The ROM has coins depicting almost all the Roman emperors! Coins were not only currency, but a way of distributing the emperor's image throughout the empire. The detail in this denarius (coin) depicts the wreathed head of Julius Caesar.
The Bratty Exhibit of Etruria introduces the Etruscans, a neighbouring civilization dating back to 800 BC, whose mysterious legacy includes finely crafted jewellery and intriguing religious artefacts such as Etruscan funerary chests.
Roman sculpture in the Eaton Gallery of Rome.
Look within the gallery for video documentaries and tactile displays offering unique learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
Romano-Egyptian Fayum mummy portraits, which originally covered the face of mummies, hold great significance as they represent some of the earliest known and finest painted portraits in the history of art.
Emperors and Gladiators are just the beginning…
The legacy of Rome and its empire endures to this day. Roman generals and emperors conquered foreign lands and left their mark, still visible today in art and architectural remains throughout Europe and the Middle East. Rome was home to some of the world's greatest engineering accomplishments, such as the Colosseum where gladiators fought, often to the death. Aspects of Roman law form the basis of today’s law codes.
In this gallery ancient Rome is brought to life through the largest collection of Roman artifacts in Canada. The thematic display takes you on a journey spanning over 1000 years of history through Republican and Imperial Rome and encompassing a vast geographic area from Britain to Egypt. The gallery also includes the Bratty Exhibit of Etruria, which throws light on the culture of the Etruscans, Rome’s enigmatic Italian neighbours.
About the Gallery
What?
Over 500 artifacts highlight aspects of daily Roman life, the contrasting tastes throughout the vast Empire, and the Roman influence on diverse local cultures.
Where?
Extending beyond the Mediterranean world as far as Britain and Ireland to the north and Roman Egypt to the south.
When?
From approximately 900 BC to AD 476.