About the event
When: Thursday 17 July, 5pm to 8pm. Talk at 6pm.
Unleash your inner archaeologist and uncover ancient stories at this special Museum Late at the Bank of England Museum. Explore real artefacts through object handling, enjoy a hands-on craft activity and unearth the secrets of the past with an exciting evening talk by our guest speaker, John J Johnston.
About the talk - NOT the Edge of Empire: Imperial Culture in Britain
The British Isles are traditionally considered the final, north-westerly gasp of the Roman Empire but culturally, they were no less distant from the city of Rome than any other province. This talk considers the cosmopolitan nature of life in Roman Britain, from the people who travelled such vast distances to colonise the province, through to the worship of Egyptian deities on the banks of the Thames, and onto the Roman progress into Scotland, far beyond the traditional barrier created by the Antonine Wall. Britain may have been cold, wet, and unforgiving but it was, nevertheless, a vital addition to the imperial cultural milieu.
About the speaker
John J Johnston is a freelance Egyptologist, Classicist, and cultural historian, who has lectured extensively throughout the UK at major institutions such as the British Museum, the British Film Institute, the National Museum of Scotland and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. A former Vice Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society and Ambassador for the International Society for the Study of Egyptomania, he has written numerous academic and general articles, in addition to co-editing three volumes and has appeared on numerous television and Blu-ray documentaries.
Other highlights of the evening:
- A fun craft activity creating your own Roman-style potters’ mark.
- Historian-led talk on Imperial Culture in Britain in our Cinema.
- Object handling experience and opportunity to see rare items from our collection.
- After-hours exploration: enjoy the unique opportunity to wander the museum after hours, soaking in the ambiance and the exhibits.
Essential information:
- Doors open at 5pm
- Talk in the Cinema from 6pm to 7pm. Booking for the talk is essential as limited spaces are available.
- Last admission at 7.30pm
- Event ends at 8pm
