Room 6 / Roman Age
In this room the outlines of two different worlds are emerging towards the beginning of our era. The Transdanubian region, known as Pannonia, became one of the Roman Empire's frontier provinces of military importance, with a high level of social organisation, technical development, Latin literacy and classical culture. By way of the imperial road network and long-distance trade, the industrial goods and special foodstuffs of the Mediterranean and the western provinces, often produced with artistic sophistication were able to reach as far as Pannonia. The population no longer lived exclusively in villages, but in towns or on rural villas. Public baths were enjoyed and amphitheatre games became popular. At the same time, the ethnic groups living in the eastern part of present-day Hungary preserved their "barbarian", typical Iron Age culture, which was in constant contact with the Roman Empire, sometimes as warring opponents, sometimes as peaceful traders. The latter is symbolised by the market scene shown, which may take place somewhere along the border.
Fun facts:
- Roman soldiers were trained to stab their enemies, not cut them, because a stabbed wound deeper than 6 cm-s was considered fatal due to infection. You can have a look at the kind of military equipment they used, apart from weapons, at the base of the "fortress".
- As today, there were two types of writing: block letters, carved into stone or metal, and cursive script, which is found on wooden tablets, pots and other objects.
The function of this unusual object has long been a mystery to researchers. The elongated, flattened rod-like body widens out in a round medallion with a convex Christ-monogram (Christogram) formed from the Greek letters chi and rho. The small object was a typical Late Roman helmet ornament, which now seems certain compared to better preserved parallels. Christ monograms may be a basic indication of religious affiliation, but in the 4th century context they also fit into the official imperial propaganda. The appearance of the symbol may well have also protected its wearer, a higher ranking officer.
