Obscurum - Lux: See Segedunum in a different light
A modern interpretation of the importance of light and colour in the Roman world
Historic Event
This is a historic event or exhibition. It is no longer available to visit and this page is only retained as a record of its details.
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Dates
Until 4 February 2023 (historic event)
About
The Roman Gallery at Segedunum is divided into a number of rooms
looking at different buildings within the fort. This art installation
is an interpretation in light of these buildings. So while there is
the chance to see how objects might have looked by the light of a
candle, or to see the barrack by the light of an open fire, there is
also the opportunity to see light and colour used in different ways
to illustrate the roles of the headquarters, the hospital and the
commanding officer’s house. The installation looks at the gold stored in the
strong-room, the red flames of fires burning on altars, the white
light of the stars and the use of purple as a symbol of power.
It will not be possible to see all the objects on display in the cases as clearly as usual: the lighting levels are set to what it would have been like at twilight in Roman times when the only light available came from candles and lamps. Instead, this modern interpretation of the importance of light and colour in the Roman world is an opportunity to see the gallery and finds in a new and very different light.