A British Museum Partnership Exhibition: Gladiators of Britain

Discover gladiatorial history in the centre of Carlisle

Think of gladiators and your mind probably wanders to central Rome and the Colosseum (or Russell Crowe). But did you know there were gladiators in Britain? Carlisle was home to the largest fort on Hadrian’s Wall at the very northern edge of the empire – did gladiators walk where Tullie museum stands today?

Open daily from 7 February to 31 May.

Share the Festivities

This exhibition explores the violence, pageantry and graphic reality of the arena in Roman Britain through extraordinary objects from across the country.

Key objects on loan from the British Museum include the Hawkedon Helmet – the only known surviving piece of Roman gladiator equipment ever found in Britain – and a finely carved bone figure of a gladiator. We’re also showcasing the Colchester Vase from Colchester Museums, a rare artefact depicting an actual gladiatorial contest. From the Tullie collections, we’re bringing out a remarkable Roman survivor: a wooden training dummy that once helped prepare soldiers for combat.

Want to put yourself to the test? A special training area will give you a chance to sharpen your reflexes and try out some gladiatorial skills.

Entry to the exhibition is included with an annual pass, day ticket or Tullie Friendship. Children and under 18s go free.

Gladiators of Britain was developed in partnership by The British Museum and Colchester + Ipswich Museums, with support from the Dorset Foundation in memory of Harry M Weinrebe.

Main image: Colchester Vase ©Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service – Colchester Collection.