Hadrian: Empire and Conflict

The British Museum © The British Museum

Following in the footsteps of the hugely popular Chinese Terracotta Army exhibition, the British Museum's next special exhibition is Hadrian: Empire and Conflict. The exhibition runs from 24 July - 26 October, but tickets are on sale from 6 February.

This special exhibition will explore the life, love and legacy of Rome's most enigmatic emperor, Hadrian. From AD117 - 138, Hadrian ruled an empire that comprised much of Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. He was a capable and, at times, ruthless military leader with a great passion for architecture and Greek culture.

Hadrian Statue © The British Museum

This extraordinary exhibition will provide fresh insight into the sharp contradictions of Hadrian's character and the challenges faced during his reign. Objects from 31 museums worldwide and finds from recent excavations will be shown together for the first time to reassess his legacy, which remains strikingly relevant today.

In the lead-up to Hadrian: Empire and Conflict, the British Museum is sending one of its star objects, a rare bronze head of Hadrian, to 2 sites along Hadrian's Wall. The head was found in the River Thames in 1834 and comes from a statue which may have been erected in a public space in London in AD122 to commemorate Hadrian's visit to London.

Roman baths © The British Museum

It's the first time the original head will have been seen outside London. From February 8 - 13 April you can see it at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, and from 16 April - 8 June at Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum in Wallsend.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit British Museum - Hadrian: Empire and Conflict (www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/future_exhibitions/hadrian_empire_and_conflict.aspx).

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