[H]UMAN remains of gladiators who perished in combat are on offer at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven from this weekend.
The Autumn exhibition titled ‘Gladiators: A Cemetery of Secrets’ will feature six sets of humans remains alongside other roman artefacts and will run from September 16 to December 3.
The remains of the men date from the early second century to the late third century AD and were unearthed in York.
The exhibition explores the skeletal remains of the men, all of whom were decapitated and uncovers the story of where they came from, how they died and why.
Alan Irwin, Business Development Manager at The Beacon Museum, said: “The Beacon Museum team have been excited to bring you this exhibition.
“Created by the same hands that brought us the JORVIK Museum in York, this will naturally be of a high quality.
“The story behind the men at the heart of the exhibition gives us a window into a long-forgotten world, and for those who are fans of films such as Gladiator and Spartacus, this is one not to miss.”
Visitors will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the sights, smells and sounds of an interactive mini Roman market, created in collaboration with the world renowned JORVIK Viking Centre in York.
Attendees can record and share their own Roman speech from a purpose built ‘rostra’ platform as well as trying their hand at other interactive games on offer.
Weekend discovery sessions are also available offering Roman Pot Making, every Saturday and Sunday during the exhibition for those aged four and over, priced at £3 per session.
Entrance to the exhibition is available on the door and is priced at £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child, and Copeland residents can access the rest of the museum for free using their Copeland Pass.
Find out more by visiting online at www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk or by calling 01946 592302.