The Roman legionaries who pushed into Arabia all the way to Mada’in Salih
Roman legionaries penetrated deep into Arabia, reaching Mada'in Salih, known as Hegra in the past.
The British Museum's "Legion: Life in the Roman Army" exhibition reveals more than combat tactics, but the full spectrum of military life from 30 BCE to 476 CE.
Curator Sir Mark Jones emphasizes the broad narrative, and the exhibition showcases Roman military articles, Roman daily life artifacts, and highlights from strongholds across the Empire.
Significant pieces on display include the only intact legionary shield from Yale, the oldest Roman body armor from Kalkriese, Germany, a cavalry mask helmet from England, and a dragon standard from Germany.
Recent French-Saudi archaeological ventures have unearthed a Roman camp in Arabia, hinting at the legion's broader reach than commonly known. Although Roman historian Strabo recounts an unsuccessful march to Yemen around 25-24 BCE, actual traces of this have eluded researchers.
Evidence at Hegra tells the story of the Third Cyrenean Legion, established by Mark Antony and eventually transferred to the Roman province of Arabia.
Their duties extended beyond military engagement, also encompassing policing and maintaining public order. Inscriptions in Greek and Latin found at the site offer insight into these soldiers' lives, comparable to social media check-ins of today.
The longest enduring Latin inscription discovered offers thanks to Jupiter Hammon and acknowledges several Roman soldiers by name. Other inscriptions are brief, with messages like "Remember Komodos!" or "Remember Ulpis, the camel-rider!"
Excavations since 2015 have revealed a standard Roman fort, inclusive of barracks, gates, and towers, offering a glimpse into the Roman military footprint. Artifacts such as coins, ceramics and military items, alongside evidence of dietary habits from animal bones, have been uncovered.
Though the soldiers' exact origins remain uncertain, local recruitment from the Roman East is suspected. The Roman fort's discovery at Hegra has shifted historical perspectives, confirming that Rome's influence extended further south in Arabia than the Gulf of Aqaba's head, as previously thought.
Maps of the Roman Empire still often incorrectly demarcate its southern boundary along today's Jordan, but archaeological finds progressively validate the hypothesis of Roman expansion in Arabia.
The full narrative of the Roman departure from the Hijaz and the extent of their southern conquest remains unknown, but ongoing excavation holds promise for further insight. There's even speculation that Roman legions reached as far as the Farasan Islands in the Red Sea.
Curator Sir Mark Jones emphasizes the broad narrative, and the exhibition showcases Roman military articles, Roman daily life artifacts, and highlights from strongholds across the Empire.
Significant pieces on display include the only intact legionary shield from Yale, the oldest Roman body armor from Kalkriese, Germany, a cavalry mask helmet from England, and a dragon standard from Germany.
Recent French-Saudi archaeological ventures have unearthed a Roman camp in Arabia, hinting at the legion's broader reach than commonly known. Although Roman historian Strabo recounts an unsuccessful march to Yemen around 25-24 BCE, actual traces of this have eluded researchers.
Evidence at Hegra tells the story of the Third Cyrenean Legion, established by Mark Antony and eventually transferred to the Roman province of Arabia.
Their duties extended beyond military engagement, also encompassing policing and maintaining public order. Inscriptions in Greek and Latin found at the site offer insight into these soldiers' lives, comparable to social media check-ins of today.
The longest enduring Latin inscription discovered offers thanks to Jupiter Hammon and acknowledges several Roman soldiers by name. Other inscriptions are brief, with messages like "Remember Komodos!" or "Remember Ulpis, the camel-rider!"
Excavations since 2015 have revealed a standard Roman fort, inclusive of barracks, gates, and towers, offering a glimpse into the Roman military footprint. Artifacts such as coins, ceramics and military items, alongside evidence of dietary habits from animal bones, have been uncovered.
Though the soldiers' exact origins remain uncertain, local recruitment from the Roman East is suspected. The Roman fort's discovery at Hegra has shifted historical perspectives, confirming that Rome's influence extended further south in Arabia than the Gulf of Aqaba's head, as previously thought.
Maps of the Roman Empire still often incorrectly demarcate its southern boundary along today's Jordan, but archaeological finds progressively validate the hypothesis of Roman expansion in Arabia.
The full narrative of the Roman departure from the Hijaz and the extent of their southern conquest remains unknown, but ongoing excavation holds promise for further insight. There's even speculation that Roman legions reached as far as the Farasan Islands in the Red Sea.
