AD 43-410
What can Roman archaeology tell us about LGBTQ+ lives? These stories explore the love of Hadrian and Antinous, the remarkable Victor tombstone at South Shields, and how museums are reinterpreting collections to uncover queer stories from Roman Britain.
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
In these two podcast episodes, Richard Bliss explores same-sex relationships in the Roman Empire. With guests, he explores the love stories of the Emperor Hadrian and Antinous, and the cavalryman Numerianus and his servant Victor.
Where this story leads next
The Victor tombstone tells the story of a 20-year-old man from North Africa who was enslaved, later freed, and honoured after his death by his former master. Its unique blend of Roman and Palmyrene artistry reveals the diversity, movement, and personal stories of people in Roman Britain.
Stories like Victor's remind us that identity in Roman Britain was complex. His life also offers compelling evidence for the presence of Africans on Hadrian's Wall. Evidence shows people from North Africa lived, served and died here nearly 2,000 years ago, highlighting the remarkable diversity of life on Rome's northern frontier.
