The Museum
This very spacious must see museum stands next to Walltown Crags, one of the highest standing sections of Hadrian’s Wall. Fabulous new exhibitions in three exciting galleries allow you to immerse yourself in the life of the Roman army - there is nothing else like this on Hadrian’s Wall!
The Museum & Collections
When you enter Gallery 1 you walk straight into the role of the army in the Roman Empire. Watch the Empire expand and contract, learn more about the strength and variety of different types of soldier, look at real Roman artefacts from Vindolanda including the only Roman helmet crest ever to be discovered, listen to the recruiting officer and decide whether to join up.
Now take a time line walk into Gallery 2 where the main room is devoted to Hadrian’s Wall with a spectacular image banner of truly monumental proportions. A side room highlights the successful invasion and occupation of Britain by the Romans and leads to the 3D film theatre. The 3D film gives an aerial view of the Wall as it is today then transports you back nearly 2000 years to Roman times for a truly memorable time travel experience.
You now have time to visit Hadrian and find out more about his life from boyhood to Emperor and frontier builder before entering Gallery 3 where the daily life of the multi-cultural army on the Wall awaits
Immerse Yourself!
Our award winning 3D film is your half way stop around the Roman Army Museum. In 20 rich immersive minutes you will soar like an eagle across the majestic Northumberland landscape, over Hadrian’s Wall and through a thousand years of history. See for yourself in incredible 3D detail what life was like on the wall for our ambitious soldier ‘Aquila’, what it took to rise through the ranks and why many didn’t make it! Battle and boredom - an intoxicating mix of emotions for those tasked with defending Hadrian’s honour!
The Might of Rome
A mighty army pounding its way across Europe, a relentless and brutal pursuit of power, the creation of one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Learn about a professional fighting force that today we take for granted but 2000 years ago was unusual. Highly organized, trained and skilled, the Roman Army was an unstoppable force. It was a way of life and it has left its legacy in our language and law, our sports stadiums, and even our money. The Roman Army Museum brings to life what it meant to live in this time of blood and brutality from both in and outside the empire. Careful you don’t get drafted in as an auxillary!
Life As A Roman Soldier
How do fighters stave off boredom? They train... and then they train some more. The Roman Army Museum will challenge you to prove that you have what it takes to be a Roman soldier. Can you handle your weapons? Could you defend the empire? Would you live to tell the tale? Every aspect of a soldier's life was controlled by the army – this was a life of order and discipline. Did you know soldiers were often more afraid of their centurion than of the enemy? Step out of line or fall asleep on duty and you could be beaten or even executed. Show cowardice and your whole unit could be punished – fancy being randomly chosen by lottery and then beaten to death by your fellow men?