The British Museum
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The Wolfson Gallery8th century BC – 4th century AD
eyeOpener gallery tour / Free / Daily, 15.15–15.55
The objects in Room 70 illustrate the rise of Rome from a small town to an imperial capital that controlled the Mediterranean basin and north-western Europe.
The Portland Vase AD 5-25 More information
The Portland Vase AD 5-25
Bronze head of Augustus mid-1st century AD More information
Bronze head of Augustus mid-1st century AD
The Warren silver Cup 2nd century AD More information
The Warren silver Cup 2nd century AD
Cameo portrait of Augustus AD 14-20 More information
Cameo portrait of Augustus AD 14-20
The exhibition covers a period of approximately 1,000 years from Rome’s legendary foundation in 753 BC, to AD 324, when the emperor Constantine founded his new, Christian capital at Constantinople (Istanbul).
Objects on display come from all over the empire. They range from stone and metal sculptures of emperors and gods to jewellery, silverware pottery and glass, including the famous cameo glass Portland Vase.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Black Gloss boss-centred dish
Cleopatra: history to myth
Pocket guide to Roman Emperors, £6.99
Explore the cultures of the world in UK museums on the World Timelines website.
