Roman Frontier Gallery Opening Event

To celebrate the grand opening of the new Roman Frontier Gallery on Saturday 25th June, we invited everyone to join us in a celebratory day of Roman activities which took place throughout Tullie House and Carlisle City Centre. The day featured Roman soldiers, gladiators, dancers and craftspeople, plus special guest – “The Beast”!

Emperor Domitian arrived at Carlisle Train station, courtesy of Virgin Trains. He was met by his Roman Army who escorted him to his 'chariot', an Alfa Romeo Spider, kindly loaned by Lloyd Motors.
 
The Emperor, and his Roman Army, led by The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, marched from Tullie House to the City Centre, where he addressed the people of Carlisle.

In the afternoon the Gladiators were marched by the Roman Army from Tullie House to the City Centre amphitheatre by order of the Emperor. There was music and dance before the Gladiatorial games began!
 
The new Roman Frontier Gallery stayed open until 6pm for the day.
 
There were Roman Encampments in the Tullie House Gardens where everyone could meet the soldiers and discover what their daily routine was like 2000 years ago.
 
People could learn about Roman medicine, herbalists, jewellery making and trading and could try ur hand at Roman weaving and pottery making.
 
Children took part in the Children's Roman Army and marched through the City.
 
Roman Soldiers were compared to the present day army in association with Armed Forces Day