Not long ago, the world seemed gripped by a (tongue-in-cheek) question: why do men keep thinking about the Roman empire? Now, as Melbourne Museum unveils its exhibition ROME: Empire, Power, People, it’s fair to say that the ancient Roman civilisation is going to be on a lot more minds this year.
Like the all-conquering empire itself, this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition (which is open now and runs until October 25) is a marvel of scope and scale, featuring more than 180 pieces dating to Rome’s imperial period from the first century BC to the third century AD, and several works from beyond the empire’s decline.
The artefacts – all but one of which have never previously been seen in Australia – come from the extensive collections of Italy’s Museo Nazionale Romano and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, and give visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Roman empire far beyond its native soil.
Ambition, life, luxury, the divine and eternity
ROME: Empire, Power, People is about introducing visitors to more than just Rome’s legendary emperors. Through the many objects on display, as well as multimedia projections and immersive soundscapes, Museums Victoria (in collaboration with the touring exhibition company Contemporanea Progetti and the curators Dr Federica Rinaldi, Dr Sara Colantonio and Dr Carlotta Caruso from Museo Nazionale Romano) has created a space that pays homage to multiple aspects of ancient Roman society.
Highlighting both the opulence of the ruling classes and the humility of the empire’s everyday citizens, the exhibition touches on themes of ambition, life, luxury, the divine and eternity – each of which occupies its own space in the exhibition.
Moving through each larger-than-life, theatrical space, visitors can experience the sights, sounds and scents (courtesy of a custom-made fragrance from the Australian spa product manufacturer Salus Body) of the Roman bathhouse, as well as the gladiatorial arena, and luxurious banquets, with themes of everyday life represented by objects such as weights, scales, coins and childhood toys, and luxury displayed through ancient gold jewellery, tableware, mosaics and frescoes.
While the exhibition will entice audiences with its candid look at regular Roman life, it also displays famous faces of Rome’s golden age, including sculpted portraits of the emperors Augustus, Nero, Marcus Aurelius, Trajan, Hadrian and Commodus.
A rare look at Roman artefacts
If you’ve ever been to Rome, you will probably have seen the contrast between modern architecture and the city’s archaeological excavations, which unearth the deeply buried past. It’s a reminder that the Roman empire is a society long relegated to the history books.
Several of the pieces on display are more than 2,000 years old, including a first-century BC slab representing victory and trophy, a 48-46BC Julius Caesar denarius (a coin featuring Julius Caesar’s face) and an early imperial sundial with zodiac symbols. Visitors will also get to see some later items, including a bust of the Antonine dynasty emperor Lucius Verus (co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius) from the 16th century AD (topped with a head from the second century AD).
Contemporary connections
Beyond offering a rare look at an ancient society, the exhibition will also bring a touch of modern Italy to Melbourne Museum. Between glimpses of 2,000-year-old frescoes and gold jewellery, visitors will get a chance to celebrate Australia’s connection with modern Italy through a range of events, workshops, cinema screenings and more.
The museum’s Brunetti Classico cafe is sharing a selection of Roman-inspired pastries and savoury dishes, while the Italian hospitality legends Joe Di Cintio and Mirco Speri are transforming the museum’s Mercury Restaurant with an Italian menu. Visitors can also catch screenings of classic Italian-inspired films as part of the Il Grande film series, presented by the Italian newspaper Il Globo, with favourites such as The Godfather, Suspiria and Gladiator hosted by IMAX Melbourne. A one-night-only Discoteca Italiana will include DJ sets and food.
As the Museums Victoria CEO and director, Lynley Crosswell, makes clear, this wide-ranging exhibition is a chance not just to uncover the history of ancient Roman life, but to reaffirm how important Italian society remains to Australians to this day.
“ROME: Empire, Power, People brings extraordinary ancient objects to Melbourne – an experience many will only have once,” she says. “We hope visitors feel inspired by this window into Roman history and the vibrant spirit of Italian culture that continues to shape our city.”
ROME: Empire, Power, People is open until 25 October. Book tickets now.
